Many teachers may not know where to start in selecting hardware or software for creating videos or what to do with it once they have the tools. This site is a collection of resources that can be utilized by teachers to create projects that allow students to create videos in the classroom.  This is not meant to be an comprehensive or exhaustive collection - just tools that I have utilized and found of value.
	Pinnacle VideoSpin   Windows Movie Maker          Free video editing software that is a basic version of Pinnacle's Studio software and is feature comparable to Movie Maker but supports a wider variety of video formats. After 15 days the ability to save MPEG2 & MPEG4 files must be activated for $15 but all other video formats and program functionality remains.  [Link]        Windows Movie Maker is included free with Windows XP and Vista.  It capable of basic video editing, audio and titling functions.  Supported video formats center primarily around AVI and Windows Media format files. This software is a good tool for basic video creation.  [Link]     Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 14   Ulead Cool 3D Production Studio          This video editing software has an easy to learn interface and has a variety of video and audio tools for creating videos along with advanced features such as picture-in-picture, pan and zoom and chroma key (green screen) and a new montage feature for multiple videos in one shot along with effects.  Will work with a wide variety video formats and can create DVDs, including menus. Education price is around $75 at education software sites.  [Link]        While not a video editing package, this software offers the ability to easily create 3D animation video that can be incorporated into video projects.  There are many creative uses for animation in video from animated lower thirds to special visual effects. Note that while the software is no longer in development, I have used this software with Vista for several years without problem.  Software costs $129.  [Link]     Anime Studio Debut & Pro   Carrara 7 Express 3D Software          This software allows you to create 2D animation including character animation in a variety of different formats using a relatively easy interface built around shapes, "bones" and timelines.  Anime Studio Debut is an introductory version that offers many of the animation features many people will need while the Pro version has many more advanced animations functions available.  Pricing runs about $30 for Debut and $90 for Pro at education software sites.  [Link]        This software is a more full featured package for creating 3D animation than Ulead Cool 3D Production Studio but also has a little steeper learning curve.  These animations will be much more realistic as well due to advanced rendering.  This package also has easy to use scene presets and 3D objects to use so many functions are drag and drop.  The education price for this software runs about $70 and there are advanced versions of this software available as well..  [Link]
	Canon Flash Memory Camcorders   Flip Ultra Video Camcorder      Canon makes a line of consumer class camcorders that write video directly to flash memory. This means there are no tapes or CD media to buy and no moving parts such as hard drives.  Videos are transferred to the computer using a standard USB cable.  Should you get one, make sure to get a copy of the free SDCopy software for easier transfer of video (see Video Utilities section). The link here goes to a specific model but there are several models in the flash memory line ranging in price from $350 to $599.  [Link]        These were the first to popularize a small and inexpensive type of camcorder that records to internal memory.  Nothing fancy, just basic video and audio. Video is transferred to the computer using a standard USB connection built into the camera.  The video is recorded in MPEG-4 Divx format so these will not work in Windows Movie Maker without conversion or by installing the free Xvid codec (see Video Codecs below). The camera also contains built-in video software to let you edit clips into a longer video so its easy to share between computers in a classroom.  The cost of this model is around $125.  [Link] RCA Small Wonder Camcorder   Zen Vision MP3 / Media Player      Another version of the small, inexpensive camcorders that shoot basic video.  Similar to the Flip camcorder in video quality, MPEG-4 Divx format and the fold out USB connector.  The built-in software is not quite as good as Flip's Muvee but it offers the advantage of a fold out LCD viewer making it easier to shoot self-videos and an SD card slot to increase memory storage. The cost of these models are around $100. These video files will not work in Windows Movie Maker without conversion or by installing the free Xvid codec (see Video Codecs below).  [Link]   The Creative Zen is a portable MP3 and media player that is the size of a credit card but still offers a 2.5" display screen. This device can play MP3, WMA, WAV, unprotected AAC music files and Audible audio book files. As for video, it can play back WMV9, AVI, MPEG 1, 2, 4 and DivX files. It can also display pictures in JPEG, GIF, BMP and PNG formats. A built-in microphone and voice recorder can be used for the recording of podcasts. This device can sync directly with Windows Media Player so no additional software needs to be installed for basic functionality. This multi-purpose device would perfect for student activity centers or other classroom activities where access to multimedia files would be needed without the use of a computer.  Price ranges from $79 to $249 depending on memory.  [Link]
	Format Converters   Web Video Download      There are many different types of video formats out there and at some point you will have a video of one format type but you need to have it in a different video format.  The tools will allow you to convert a video between different formats: WinFF  [Link] Free open source application converts between many different formats and works great for most conversions. Some advanced settings you may have to enter manually. Any Video Converter  [Link] Free version converts between some video formats - commercial converts between many more Prism Video Converter  [Link] Free version converts most common video formats - the plus version has additional features. Important install note - after installing software, convert a video file because not all parts are installed until then. YouConvertIt  [Link] A website where you upload files to be converted and they are emailed back to you        There may be video examples on web pages that you would like to use in the classroom but for various reasons you may not be able to access at school.  There are websites that will download the video and convert it into a usable video format for offline play and presentations. KeepVid.com  [Link] Enter the URL of the video and it capture it and download it YouConvertIt (Online Video)  [Link] Enter URL to convert or download the web video   Video Codecs   Teleprompter Software       A codec is an abbreviation that stands for "compresser/decompresser".  Codecs are used to squeeze video files down in size upon creation and then are used to unsqueeze the file when it is played back.  If you don't have the necessary codec required by a video file, you will hear the audio but not see the video. Xvid Codec  [Link] Installing this free MPEG-4 codec on your computer will allow videos shot with the Flip Video or RCA Small Wonder cameras to be viewed and edited using Windows Movie Maker.  If you want to use these cameras with Windows Movie Maker, this is a must download.      Teleprompter software displays text to be read by a presenter and can scroll at different speeds to fit individual speaking styles.  This is particularly useful for students who may be presenting reports or reading school news for videos.  This software isn't too demanding so it can be used on older computers that may be available. Prompt!  [Link] Free version works with text files up to 2500 characters CuePrompter Online  [Link] Cut and paste your text (up to 10,000 characters) into website and it will create an instant teleprompter FreeTeleprompterSoftware.com  [Link] Another free online teleprompter website SD Copy Flash Memory Camcorder Utility   Miscellaneous Utilities  Canon, JVC and Panasonic make camcorders that save the video files using a 'MOD' extension.  These are in reality MPEG2 files and can be used on computers by converting the file extension to 'MPG'.  However, if shooting wide-screen video, the true video dimensions will not be in the file.  SD Copy is a free and simple utility available that will transfer video from these cameras to the computer that will set the extension to 'MPG' and also set the wide-screen flag as well. This link is a direct download.  [Link]        Everything that doesn't quite fit the other categories are here: WinMorph  [Link] Free software that lets you create a special visual effect where one picture appears to melt and mold into another picture.  This is used for effects like a person transforming into another person.  Jing  [Link] Free software that lets you do video screen captures from your computer with narrations and graphics.  This is a simplified version of Camtasia and it limits the length to 5 minutes and the final video file can be shared online or saved as a Flash video. A user produced instruction sheet can be viewed here. Community Clips  [Link] Free software from Microsoft that lets you do video captures of your computer screen while you narrate during the capture (it can be used with or without MS Office).  This does not have the labeling features of Jing but it is not time limited and does produce standard Windows Media files that you can import into any video editor to do further work. Cooliris  [Link] Free software add-on for all popular browsers that allows you to quickly do searches for pictures and videos on the web and all using a really cool visual interface. ManyCam  [Link] Free software that acts as an add-on to webcams that allows for 3D avatars and other effects to be done in real time. Videos could be captured and integrated with other video in video editing software.
	Pinnacle Studio Tutorials   Windows Movie Maker Tutorials          The following are some Pinnacle Studio Plus tutorials that I created to allow students and teachers to learn how to create videos using the software: Interface Basics of Pinnacle Studio  [Coming Soon] Covers how to get around in the program Editing Basics in Pinnacle Studio  [Coming Soon] Introduces the basics of inserting, deleting and trimming video clips Video Import in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] How to bring video clips into the program Picture Import in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] How to bring in pictures and graphics Titling Basics in Pinnacle Studio  [Coming Soon] How to create credits and captions Audio Basics in Pinnacle Studio  [Coming Soon] Covers how to work with audio in video clips Background Music in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] Creating music scores for videos Make Movie Option in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] How to create a finished video from a project Smart Movie Feature in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] How to an automatic movie in minutes DVD Menu Templates in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] How to bring in pictures and graphics Special Visual Effects in Pinnacle Studio  [Link] This is a presentation website I have with individual tutorials on creating effects        The following are some Windows Movie Maker tutorials that I created to allow students and teachers to learn how to create videos using the software: Capturing Camcorder Video in Movie Maker  [Link] How to transfer video from a camera Importing and Organizing Media in Movie Maker  [Link] Important concept of organizing media for projects Using Clips and Editing in Movie Maker  [Link] Basics on editing clips on the timeline Video Effects and Transitions  [Link] How to use filters and create transitions Creating Titles and Credits in Movie Maker  [Link] Basics of titles and captions Making a Finished Video in Movie Maker  [Link] How to create a video file from a project       Pinnacle Studio Plus Links   Windows Movie Maker Links          The following are links that have tutorials or other resources that teach how to use Pinnacle Studio Plus: Pinnacle Studio Tutorials at Pinnaclesys.com  [Link] Many good lessons on how to use the advanced features in the software        The following are links that have tutorials or other resources that teach how to use Windows Movie Maker: Movie Maker Creativity Fun Pack  [Link] Free download that adds additional transitions and effects to Movie Maker Movie Maker Intro at University of Texas  [Link] Good introductory lessons in the software Getting Started with Movie Maker  [Link] Creating and Sharing with Movie Maker  [Link] Movie Maker Tutorial Videos  [Link] Neo's Movie Maker Portal  [Link]
	Scripting Resources   Shooting Resources          The following are links that have information on creating story ideas, scripts or other resources related to the writing process in video creation: Sharks and Structure  [Link] Concise overview of story development and structure using Jaws as an example        The following are links that have tutorials or other resources that teach how to create videos: Learn Videography  [Link] Nice collection of links about many aspects of video production Kids' Vid  [Link] Nice collection of short examples of techniques and tips to use when creating videos and also has an online storyboarding tool Digital Video in Education  [Link] Information on student and teacher processes for producting videos in the classroom     Film Analysis / History Resources   Technique Resources           The following are links that have information regarding the study of particular films or film making history in general: Hitchcockwiki.com  [Link] Many resources about Alfred Hitchcock's films, including 1000 high quality frame shots from each of his films Steven Spielberg - Senses of Cinema  [Link] A good overview of the films of his career and the stylistic choices made in them  The Great Train Robbery  [Link] A Windows Media file of the 1902 film classic that can be downloaded (right-click and 'Save target as') and used for viewing and study Title Design Project  [Link] Watch the Titles  [Link] Titles by Saul Bass  [Link] A look at the art of opening credit design with many samples of creative and innovative uses of title design over the years         The following are links that have information regarding specific video / film techniques:
	Music Software   Audio Software          Software is available for the creation and editing of musical pieces whether recorded directly from instruments or done with prerecorded instrument loops.  The music files can be added to a video project to set mood and ambience: Mixcraft  [Link] A very good music loop editor (lots included) and a podcast recorder that runs about $40 educational price.  There is also a Mixcraft for the Classroom book also available for purchase         There many software packages available for the recording and editing of audio files.  Once recorded and edited, these audio files can be added to your video projects: Audacity  [Link] The free and popular audio recording and editing software     Free Music Files   Free Audio Files          The following are links sites that offer free music for non-commercial use.  Please check the exact music rights usage / credit at each site: Incomptech.com  [Link] This outstanding site has many musical pieces that can be searched for a particular mood or musical style.  I recommend if you are scoring a video to look here first. Opsound.org  [Link] This site lists music made available free under Creative Commons license.  Try searching by genre or search instrumental or soundtrack for music Jamendo.com  [Link] This site lists music made available free under Creative Commons license.  Try searching by genre or search instrumental or soundtrack for music Freeplay.com  [Link] This site lists music made available free for student use in the classroom but if the video is going to be posted on the web, you must pay a licensing fee. Read the terms of use on the site for more information.        The following are links sites that offer free sound effects and audio files for non-commercial use.  Please check the exact rights usage / credit at each site: Soungle  [Link] A large searchable database of sounds and audio
	Graphics Software   Free Font Resources          It is often necessary to create or edit photographs or other images for inclusion in a video project.  These programs offer the tools needed to crop, resize and alter images: Paint.net  [Link] Free image editing software for Windows that does a lot tasks in a fairly easy interface  GIMP  [Link] and GIMPShop  [Link] A free and full featured graphics editor that offers many of the same features as Photoshop. A version of GIMP called GIMPShop is designed to emulate the tool and menu structure so that it resembles Photoshop.  You do not need to download both, just one or the other.        The following are links that have fonts that can be downloaded and used: Dafont.com  [Link]       Free Graphics Resources              The following are links sites that offer free images or stock footage for non-commercial use.  Please check the exact image rights usage / credit at each site: Wikimedia Commons  [Link] A free database of images and other media contributed by people around the world Wordle  [Link] A free website that produces visually interesting "word clouds" using article text.  These can be used for backgrounds or other element in a video. Stock.Xchng  [Link] A free database of images and other media contributed by people around the world.  The site is a little confusing - use the must use search to see pictures and search for those with no restrictions for free pics. You do have to sign up for free account before downloading. Stock Footage for Free  [Link] A collection of stock footage in Quicktime format. You can convert these with format converter software. You do have to sign up for free account before downloading. Neo's Clip Archive  [Link] A list of sites offering free stock footage that you can use in projects. Neo's Image Archive  [Link] A list of sites offering free images that you can use in projects. Neo's Fractal Images  [Link] A collection of fractal images and animations that could be used for interesting backgrounds. 12 Websites with Free Stock Video  [Link] Article listing 12 websites where you can get free stock video footage.
	Presenter Information
	Scott Schonefeld is the Tech Support Coordinator for the Calcasieu Parish Public School System.  Before his present position, Scott was the Art Specialist at S.J. Welsh Middle School in Lake Charles, LA where he taught Art using both traditional media and computer graphics / animation.  During this time Scott was recognized with the IBM and Technology & Learning State Teacher of the Year award as well as Calcasieu Parish and Region V Middle School Teacher of the Year awards.  He has presented at many local, state and national conferences on a variety of technology themes, including 3D animation.  He has also authored articles and reviews published in ISTE's Leading & Learning magazine. Handouts and tutorials are (C) 2008 by Scott Schonefeld
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