April 2019 Technology Newsletter
EdTech News You Can Use!
Just Under the Wire!
Well, where the heck did April go? I had grand plans, and suddenly I was staring in the face of May!!! I know I am not the only one to feel this way. So, in the waning hours of April, the EdTech newsletter makes its way to your inbox.
Thanks for all the kind words last month. I talked with quite a few people who signed up for Calm and others that were using Wheel of Names. I also had some great conversations with teachers who had visited the Cult of Pedagogy. I am glad you found the resources helpful!
FEATURED APP OF THE MONTH
Shortcuts App (Downloading YouTube Videos)
Download Youtube Videos
One of the top questions teachers ask me is, "How can I download a YouTube video so I can use it in my presentation?" Fake YouTube download software and websites are a couple of the top ways malware end up on our school MacBooks. It turns out, with the Shortcuts app, you can download YouTube videos right to your iPad!
Step 1: If you do not already have it, install the Shortcuts app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shortcuts/id915249334?mt=8
Step 2: Install the YouTube Downloader shortcut.
https://pinewood.school/shortcuts/
I collected a few shortcuts you might enjoy. The Shortcuts app also has a gallery of shortcuts to choose from. It is important to note; they are all free. :-)
Step 3: On your iPad, find a YouTube video in Safari and tap the Share Icon. Note: This will not work in the YouTube app.
Step 4: Choose the Shortcuts app.
Step 5: Choose the Download-YouTube shortcut and save the video to your Photos app.
If the above seems complicated, I promise it is not. I recorded a tutorial for you.
https://vimeo.com/wtbates/shortcuts
I think you will not only like this shortcut, but the Shortcuts app as well. If you need any help with it, just ask!
PLN Spotlight
Last month, I talked about your Personal Learning Network (PLN). To some of you, this was a new term. All of us have a PLN; you may not have known the term. In the March newsletter, I shined the spotlight on The Cult of Pedagogy.
This month, the spotlight shifts to Edutopia. Founded in 1991 by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia has become a trusted and valued source for the K-12 realm. "Our Foundation is dedicated to transforming K-12 education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives."
As with all useful PLN resources, they are about new ideas and ways of thinking. Some articles you may love and others you will disagree with. Sometimes, that leads to change, other times it reinforces what we already know. If they are worthwhile, they will get you to think more deeply about a topic.
To give you a taste, here are some articles I found worthwhile:
- The Science of Drawing and Memory
- Helping Students With ADHD Stay Organized
- Allowing Test Retakes—Without Getting Gamed
- Activities That Prime the Brain for Learning
Visit Edutopia for more.
QUICK TAKES
A great way to cut down on open web browser tabs you don't want to close.
Webjets
They offer a free (yes, FREE) professional plan for educators.
GeoGuessr
Need something fun and constructive when you have a little time to kill? This may just be the thing. Play as a class, teams or individually.
Bill Bates
Pinewood School
"Be the EdTech Superhero you were meant to be!"
Email: bbates@pinewood.edu
Website: https://medium.com/@thetrainingguy
Twitter: @TheTrainingGuy