Category Archives: Applications

OpenShot: Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker

OpenShot: Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker (For Free!)

Have you ever wanted to create stunning videos but been discouraged by the cost of editing software? Look no further than OpenShot, a free and powerful video editor that’s perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike.

OpenShot isn’t just free, it’s open-source, which means it’s constantly being improved by a passionate community of developers. This translates to a user-friendly interface that won’t overwhelm you with complexity. With drag-and-drop functionality and an intuitive layout, you’ll be trimming clips, adding effects, and creating polished videos in no time.

Don’t let the “free” label fool you. OpenShot packs a surprising punch. You can add titles and animations, create smooth transitions between clips, and even work with multiple audio and video tracks for a more professional look and sound.

Here are some of the key benefits of using OpenShot:

  • Free and Open Source: Edit stunning videos without breaking the bank!
  • Beginner-Friendly Interface: Drag, drop, and edit – it’s that easy!
  • Powerful Features: Go beyond basic cuts with effects, transitions, and multi-track editing.
  • Cross-Platform: Edit on Windows, Mac, or Linux – the choice is yours!

Of course, no software is perfect. OpenShot may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end video editors, and it can experience occasional bugs with complex projects. Additionally, it doesn’t allow for direct voiceover recording within the program.

But for those who are new to video editing or who simply need a user-friendly tool to create great content, OpenShot is a fantastic option. So ditch the intimidation factor and unleash your inner filmmaker with the free power of OpenShot!

OBS Studio

Unleash Your Inner Online Teacher: How OBS Studio Enhances Online Education

Forget the dreaded lecture hall! Online education is here to stay, and with it comes a treasure trove of possibilities. But let’s be honest, staring at a static PowerPoint for hours isn’t exactly riveting. This is where OBS Studio swoops in, cape billowing, as your free online education superpower!

Why is OBS Studio such a game-changer? Buckle up!

  • Free and Fancy: Unlike fancy paid programs, OBS Studio lets you create dynamic educational content without breaking the bank. It’s like having your own personal Hollywood production studio… in your living room!
  • Mix It Up: Think beyond the talking head. OBS lets you seamlessly blend your webcam feed with presentations, images, videos, even that awesome physics experiment you did with baking soda and vinegar (because, why not?). Suddenly, learning becomes an interactive adventure!
  • Live or Pre-Recorded? You Decide! Feeling the pressure of a live stream? No sweat! Record your masterpiece beforehand and polish it to perfection. Want to interact with your students in real time? Live stream away and create a virtual classroom that buzzes with energy!
  • Beyond the Classroom Walls: OBS isn’t limited to lectures. Imagine creating virtual tours of museums, hosting interactive science demonstrations, or conducting interviews with guest speakers – all from the comfort of your home. The possibilities are endless!

It’s not just about the bells and whistles, though. OBS Studio empowers educators to:

  • Personalize Learning: Cater to different learning styles by incorporating visual aids, audio recordings, and even interactive elements.
  • Boost Engagement: Let’s face it, a bit of pizzazz goes a long way. OBS Studio helps you create dynamic and engaging content that keeps students hooked.
  • Make Learning Accessible: Record your sessions and share them with students who might miss a live stream or need to revisit a concept.

Sure, there’s a learning curve. But with a supportive online community and plenty of tutorials, you’ll be a master OBS-ian in no time. Imagine the look on your students’ faces when their history lesson comes alive with a reenactment filmed using green screen technology (thanks, OBS!).

So, ditch the tired lecture format and unleash the power of OBS Studio! It’s a free tool with the potential to transform online education from dull to dazzling. The future of learning is interactive, engaging, and most importantly, fun. And with OBS Studio, you hold the remote!

Anim8or: Your Easy Doorway into 3D Animation

Dive into 3D with Anim8or: A Beginner’s Animation Software

The world of 3D animation can seem intimidating, filled with complex programs and hefty price tags. But what if you could create your own 3D cartoons and characters without breaking the bank? Anim8or is a free and user-friendly software that makes 3D animation accessible to beginners.

Here’s what makes Anim8or perfect for getting started:

  • Free: Anim8or has been around for many years and won’t cost you a dime. While it is not Open Source, you can find plenty of free tutorials and resources online to answer your questions.
  • Simple Interface: Unlike some feature-heavy programs, Anim8or has a clean and uncluttered interface. This makes it easy to navigate and find the tools you need without getting overwhelmed.
  • Step-by-Step Workflow: Anim8or guides you through the animation process. Start by creating your 3D models in the intuitive “Object Mode.” Then, switch to “Scene Mode” to add lights, backgrounds, and position your characters. Finally, breathe life into your creation with the animation tools in “Scene Mode.”
  • Learning Resources: The Anim8or website offers a wealth of tutorials to get you started. From basic modeling techniques to character animation, these resources will take you from beginner to creating your own short animations. There are also many helpful video tutorials available online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
  • Great for Beginners: Anim8or is a fantastic introduction to the world of 3D animation. It’s perfect for hobbyists, educators, or anyone who wants to experiment with creating their own 3D characters and stories.

With its ease of use and beginner-friendly features, Anim8or is a great launchpad for anyone who wants to explore the exciting world of 3D animation. So, download Anim8or, follow the tutorials, and get ready to bring your 3D creations to life!

Free Tools Transform Classrooms: How Google Workspace Empowers Educators

Free Tools for Educating the Future: Google Workspace Takes Classrooms Digital

The world of education is undergoing a digital revolution, and Google Workspace for Education is at the forefront. This suite of free tools empowers schools and educators with the technology they need to create collaborative, engaging, and secure learning environments.

A Suite of Familiar Faces

Students and teachers are likely already familiar with many of the applications included in Google Workspace for Education. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet are all part of the package, seamlessly integrated for a smooth learning experience.

Collaboration Made Easy

Gone are the days of bulky textbooks and siloed learning. Google Workspace fosters collaboration through real-time document editing, shared folders, and communication tools like Chat. Students can work together on projects, share ideas, and receive instant feedback from teachers, all within a secure online space.

Safety and Security for All

Schools can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Google Workspace prioritizes student safety. Robust admin controls allow educators to manage user access, data security features keep information protected, and there’s no advertising within the platform.

The Free Option: Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals

The best part? Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals is completely free for qualifying schools. This core offering provides everything schools need to get started with digital learning, including:

  • Google Classroom: A dedicated platform for creating and managing assignments, sharing resources, and communicating with students.
  • Google Meet: Host virtual classes, hold online meetings, and facilitate communication between students, teachers, and parents.
  • Google Drive: Cloud storage for documents, assignments, and other files, accessible from any device.
  • G Suite apps: Enhance learning with familiar productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Beyond the Basics: Upgrading Workspace

While Fundamentals provides a solid foundation, Google offers paid editions with even more features, such as enhanced security, enhanced video conferencing capabilities, and access to third-party classroom add-ons. Schools can choose the edition that best suits their needs and budget.

Revolutionizing Education, One Classroom at a Time

Google Workspace for Education is a game-changer for schools, empowering educators and propelling students towards a future fueled by technology and collaboration. With its free tier and user-friendly interface, Google Workspace is making the transition to digital learning accessible and affordable for all.

Use Adobe Reader to Annotate a PDF.

This tutorial walks you through how to complete a PDF worksheet online. This will allow you to save your pdf and send it by email. First make sure that you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. For this tutorial, I am using Adobe Reader X. Next, download the PDF. As an example, I will be using a worksheet that I downloaded from Tlsbooks. If the PDF is locked you can use PDFunlock to unlock it.

adobe-comment

Now you just need to open the PDF with Adobe Reader. Once the worksheet is open, click on the Comment button in the upper right hand corner of the screen. You now should have options to add text, highlight text, circle text, etc. Just click and type to add text, or drag-select text to add a highlight, strikethough or underline to the selected text..

Here is a quick video tutorial to show to fill out a PDF worksheet.