So, I know this is supposed to be the great math site review, but instead, Dr. D asked me to share something different with you instead.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the pages that my school blocks drives me crazy! One page that’s blocked in particular is YouTube. I know what you’re thinking, there are some terrible things on there, naughty things that children should not have access to, and I agree, but it also has videos like this!
Now, when I’m teaching, I find it Sososososo effective to have a visual of the concept that I’m trying to explain. Plus, let’s face it, kids love to watch videos! My budget does not provide for all the money all these different videos might take, so that always would bring me to YouTube. However, it’s just not allowed in school. So, what can you do about that? Well that’s where Zamzar comes in!!
Zamzar is an awesome website that allows you to convert youtube files into wmv files, which you can then open in Windows Media Player (the program that most likely opens up anytime you start a DVD on your computer), but also DivX, Winamp, VLC (VideoLan Client), and Power DVD. Zamzar lets you convert to a lot of other types of files as well!! If you’re interested in using this service, use the steps below:
- Go to www.YouTube.com and find a video you want to share.
- Click the button below the video that says “Share”, and copy the link it provides. (You can also copy the address in the address bar, they should be the same, and they both work.)
- Go to www.zamzar.com
- Midway down the page, click the tab that says “Download Video.” You do NOT have to register!
- Under step one, delete the “http” that is already in the space, and then right click in that box, and paste the YouTube link there.
- Under step two, select wmv.
- Under step three, enter your email.
- The site will then begin working on the conversion. You can keep track of its progress by scrolling down the page.
- After the conversion has occurred, it will email a link to the email you entered under step three. (Make sure you check your junk mail!)
- Click on the link in your email that says “Alternatively click on the following link to download a copy of your converted file:”
- Click download now, and then save it to a safe place.
- Once it’s done downloading, go the the file and double click. It should then automatically open in your movie player
Was this confusing? Well then just watch this YouTube video!
Let me know if you have a question!! I use it all of the time, and insert them into my powerpoint!
Cathy said,
April 14, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Zamzar is great! I mentioned it to an undergrad who found YouTube videos of Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote to demonstrate energy — like many of us, her school blocked YouTube, but with Zamzar she was able to capture the video and use it to enhance her instruction. Look at all the good you’ve done – just in a tiny piece of time!
mcical1 said,
April 14, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I really liked this! I agree with you about how frustrating it is to be blocked at work! We actually just had our technician come in today and RE block us…YES RE-Block!!! Kids cant get on ANYTHING! I will check out the Zamzar site at school and if doesn’t work will covert it at home!!! You Tube while yes you have to watch what children do but I agree that kids need a visual and one they can relate too!!!