Flip+Camera+Resources

=Flip Cameras=

Our Agenda:

 * 1) Intro to the FLIP
 * 2) Use the FLIP cameras – each member of your group should practice recording, zooming, and deleting videos. By the end of the time allotted, please have at least one video on the camera.
 * 3) Upload your videos
 * 4) Convert the video files
 * 5) If time permits – Import your videos into Windows Movie Maker (you only need this option if you are going to be editing the videos or combining multiple videos or video and pictures)

FLIP cameras are small video cameras that allow you to record 120 minutes of video. When finished, the camera plugs into your computer’s USB port and videos are quickly uploaded. The videos can be opened in a video editing program, uploaded online, or burned to a DVD or CD. In the past, many teachers haven’t utilized the amazing opportunities that using video cameras in a classroom provides because of the expense of video cameras and the difficulty level involved with getting the footage onto your computer and into the hands of the kids. The FLIP camera (or similar handheld USB cameras) are inexpensive and easy to use. They allow you to let go of the reigns and let the students do the work!
 * The Basics:**

Determine how the cameras can enhance a lesson you already do, or inspire you to create a new activity. The goal is to get the cameras into the kids’ hands! Have them demo a lab experiment, create a how-to video, record a PSA or commercial, mock interviews, record a poetry jam, have students act out “how to survive in Mr. Smith’s class for new students, and so much more
 * I’ve got the cameras, now what?**

The FLIP software will install automatically in about 2 minutes upon plugging the camera into the computer. [|Click here] for FLIP software instructions.
 * The Software:**

The video files are automatically saved as .avi files, which are high quality video files. However, if you want to post them on my.ccsd.net you will need to convert the file to a .mov file. Use [|Jodix], a free video converter – [|instructions] for using jodix.
 * Converting the files:**

What is a FLIP camera???

FLIP cameras are small handheld video cameras that can record 30 or 60 minutes worth of video. They connect to your computer with a USB plug that “flips” out from the side of the camera. The functions are basic, but the ease of use will make you forget that is lacks some bells and whistles “regular” camcorders have.

Why use FLIP cameras???
Instruction on how to use the cameras may take you 2-3 minutes to explain…it will take them 1 minute to figure it out themselves!! We have enough that your class could be in groups of 4 (or even 3 if you have a class of 30 or less) and each group would have their own camera. Pulling the files off of the camera is a cinch…plug it in and use the FLIP software that is installed automatically to save the videos. (The program creates a folder in the kids’ doc folders for them!) Within minutes, you can convert the .avi files produced by the FLIP camera int a file type that can be uploaded to your my.ccsd.net site or blog. What are you waiting for??? Let’s use the cameras!

**1. Instructions for using the camera** 120 minute flip > slider button on the side
 * Turn on:**

Push the red button to start, push the red button to stop Push up to zoom in, Push the down button to zoom out Push the Play button Arrow through videos using the right and left buttons Push the delete/trash can button
 * Recording:**
 * Watching your recording:**
 * Delete a recording:**

Working in groups of 4-5, you will have 10 minutes to get 30-60 seconds of footage recorded. You can have the whole recording done in one shot, or multiple shots. You can choose one of the following topics, or come up with your own. **What you can do In your classroom:** This is a great resource with [|35 ideas for using FLIP cameras in the classroom].
 * 2. Using it in the classroom… **
 * What you will be doing during today’s training:**
 * Teachers’ Pet Peeve(s).
 * Way(s) to be successful at Escobedo.
 * Model an important rule at Escobedo.
 * Convince the viewer that your subject is the best.
 * Anything else you can think of…

**3. Pulling the files off of the camera** On the side of the flip camera, you will see the slide that ‘flips’ the USB plug out. Plug the FLIP camera into the USB port on the computer. Wait a moment for the “what do you want to do” window to open. You have 2 options: [|Instructions for each option].
 * Content area ideas – these ideas are for your students to complete:**
 * **Math:** record the steps of a math problem with explanations; find math in nature; find math in everyday items
 * **ELA:** act out a scene from a book; narrate a story; record students reading poetry for a virtual poetry jam; oral communication – turn a persuasive essay into a commercial
 * **Science:** demo/create ‘how-to’s for experiments; record labs/dissections/demonstrations
 * **Social Studies:** conduct an interview of a famous person from history/person from another culture; conduct “man on the street” interviews based on history/cultures; re-create a famous speech; create a commercial – “why you should visit…”
 * **Performing Arts:** demonstrate basics of an instrument/parts/hand positioning; create a warm-up video for others to follow along; record yourself and critique
 * **PE:** demonstrate rules of a game; make a workout video
 * **Health:** create a PSA for saying no to drugs, not smoking, how to avoid peer pressure, etc; lunchtime tour/interview kids about what they eat for lunch at school;
 * **Electives: //computers//**: parts of a computer/demo ergonomic positioning; student aids: conduct a school tour; **//other electives//**: use one of the above ideas to tie your elective focus into other curricular areas.
 * 1) Use the FLIP software
 * 2) Drag and Drop the files

**4. Editing your movies** The FLIP comes with software that allows you to do some basic editing of your videos. If you need more advanced editing capabilities, use Windows Movie Maker or your favorite movie editing software to add titles, trim clips, and compile all clips into one video. We will cover this later

**5. Converting your files to use on the web**
 * 1) Download [|Jodix] and use it to convert the files. *Click the link>choose RUN>install the program. [|Instructions].
 * 2) Visit [|http://media-convert.com] and convert the .avi file to a .mov if you are posting to my.ccsd.net or .wmv for a powerpoint or your blog. You can also convert the file to .mp4 or .flv

With having enough FLIP cameras on campus for at least a 4 to 1 ratio of cameras to kids, you can create group projects, or even use the cameras in rotation throughout the students in your class. For pulling the videos from the cameras, once the kids have uploaded one time with guidance, they will be able to upload independently.
 * The Logistics **


 * What are your computer access options?**
 * If you have a laptop cart checked out, the students can upload and edit their videos on the spot.
 * If you only have one or two extra computers in your room, the students may need to log into their accounts, upload their videos, delete videos from the camera, and pass it on to the next group/student. You will need to get a cart or check out a lab so the students can convert or edit their videos.
 * If you only have your teacher computer, you will need to upload the videos to an album/folder with the student’s name or have the student do it with your supervision. You will need to move the video folders into the students’ document folders and get a cart or check out a lab so the students can convert or edit their videos.

**Final Notes:** All cameras are numbered, assign students numbers. If a camera is damaged, we will need to know who the last student had it. For maximum available recording time make sure all videos are uploaded and deleted by the end of each period. Please delete all videos from the cameras prior to returning them.

Supportive Websites and videos to support your project


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 * Using FLIPs in the classroom:**

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 * Video Tutorial: Using Windows Movie Maker to edit FLIP videos:**

[|Technology for teachers blog on flip cameras]
 * Great website with a slide presentation on how to use the flip camera in the classroom**


 * Website with a helpful article on flip ca****meras in the classroom.**
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 * Chris Anderson: How web video powers global innovation**
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 * Live Binders**
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 * []**