No-fear tech tools

On this spooky day, I want to just give you the run down on a tech tool that is super easy and immediately useful. Consider my post a salve to soothe the nerves frayed by the craziness that is Halloween. The kids are already hopped up on sugar and the last thing anyone needs is something difficult to process.
In my first post on Hyperdocs (seriously the best thing that has happened to my education practice this year), I briefly touched on the tool Edpuzzle.Today, I'm going to take you a little deeper and let you see it in action. I have used it for so many things already.  To say I love it, is an understatement of epic proportions.
Edpuzzle is a great little tech tool that allows users to take videos from a
variety of sources (including one you've created) and customize it. The customization ranges from editing it down, and adding comments or questions.
Shortening the film is a very good tool for student engagement: studies show that student attention span waxes and wanes over an extended period.
If you need the longer film, break it up with questions, notes and quiz questions. That's the beauty of Edpuzzle. It gives you the ability to deliver film to the student exactly how you need it.

Check out this clip I used for a recent Professional Development mini-workshop.

Edpuzzle is easy, a literal a drag and click operation. 

Check out the screenshot tutorial below to familiarize yourself with Edpuzzle. Use it once, I know you'll be hooked. 

Step 1: Select the video you wish to use

Step 2: Click on the scissor tool, use the red bars to make adjustments.

Step 3: Watch the video and plan out your comments/questions.

Step 4: Add your questions and comments throughout the video.

Step 5: Cut/Edit out the unwanted video

Step 6: Add any additional audio

Step 7: Save and Share

 Saving your video/project:

 

Edpuzzle gives you 5 free opportunities to use their program. I got additional by using my personal email to get a few extra and customize my video selections. (I was awaiting word as to whether they would allow me to buy a personal license.)   You are able, however, to use the videos others have created without a license. Hey, that's another reason to collaborate. :)

Here's my finished project-- a little Halloween trivia for you.