Embedding Videos

This tutorial is about embedding videos.  I am using YouTube, but the same principles can be applied to using TeacherTube and SchoolTube.  It is important to remember that for parent communication purposes, it really does not matter where you host your videos because parents generally have access to YouTube.  However, schools generally block that website, so you may want to consider one of the others if you want to make the videos accessible on the district network.



Here are some free screencasting tools and some Reviews of Screen Capture Tools to get you started in creating tutorials. 

For these tutorials, I used Screencast-O-Matic because you do not have to download software.  It allows immediate upload to YouTube making the video accessible via web and mobile.  Or you always have the option to save the video in one of many files: .mp4, .avi, .flv. or .gif.  You can also publish it to their site.  The free version allows videos up to 15 minutes in legnth as well.  When I read reviews for Screencast-O-Matic, they said that there is a watermark on the free videos, but I don't see it. 

Additionally, I have also used Jing to create screencasts.  Here is what I thought of Jing and some uses for screencasting in early elementary.

Adding Pictures--Uploading and Embedding from Pinterest

In this post, I will show you two ways to add pictures to your blog.  First, I will show you how to select public domain images and upload them for use on your blog (attribution included).  Second, I will show you how to embed from Pinterest. I will not offer written directions for this post.

Choosing, Uploading, and Attributing an Image


Embedding an Image from Pinterest--I like this option because Pinterest.com offers unlimited storage.

Editing Your Blog Post

There are times when you realize that a post has a typo or misinformation included.  This tutorial will show you how to edit a published or drafted blog post.

Finishing Up Your Blog Post

This tutorial will cover finishing up your post: labeling, saving, publishing, scheduling, labeling, and dealing with the hyperlink for the post.

You also have the option to give thee posts labels, which categorize posts according to a topic. To do this, look on the right hand side of your screen. you will see a menu. Click on LABELS and type the topics covered in this post. (Next time you post, you will have the option to select from you previously used labels as well.) Now, you have a post.

At this point, you have three options: to save, to publish, or to schedule the post.

1. To save, simply click SAVE in the row with the title bar. This is useful if you are not finished with the post or have not selected a date for publish.
2. To publish, click PUBLISH I the row with the title bar. This will make the post publish to the blog immediately. When you do this, the readers will be able to see it on the blog and the material will be sent out using any subscription methods you have chosen to enable. This is called "going live."
3. To schedule a post takes a few steps, but it is not hard and totally worth the effort. Blogger allows you to create posts and decide when they go live. You do this in the menu on the right side of the screen as well. Click schedule, choose the date and time by typing them into appropriate boxes or by selecting from the drop down selections. Once you are satisfied click DONE. Now, click PUBLISH I the row with the title bar. It will not publish until the date and time you selected.

Creating a Blog Post with Hyperlinks

This tutorial will focus on creating a blog post with hyperlinks.  Hyperlinks can lead readers to other pages on your blog, external websites, and email addresses.  Hyperlinks help enhance the information that you present.



In order to create a blog post, you click on NEW POST or the pencil icon.  The Create Post window will open.  Begin to type your post or paste it into the window. Give the post a title up above.

In order to add a hyperlink, you highlight the text that you want to hold the link and click on link in the menu directly above the area where you type the body of your blog post (in the Create Post window).  Chose to insert a weblink or an email on the left.  Finally, put the appropriate address and select whether it will open in a new window or not.