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Ask the Tech Ninja #1: Flash Video

The Tech Ninja frequently gets questions about how he gets video from popular video sharing sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Google Video, Eyespot, GodTube, Internet Archive - Movies, or teacher related video sites like TeacherTube, and SchoolTube and then embed them into Notebook. Before we get into the nitty gritty of the how, there are a few [...]

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Jeopardy Template

I like to look for fun and interactive ways to review concepts before a test. One of those ways was using a Jeopardy style game. There are several PowerPoint versions of Jeopardy games but I wanted one I Notebook...

Quick Tips

• Today (April 22) is Earth Day! May the Tech Ninja humbly suggest the website Meet the Greens: A site for kids about looking after the planet. The Greens are a family who are looking for ways to help out planet Earth. Different "Green" topics are covered in "episodes" that is a collection of links from Flash cartoons about the Greens (very humorous) to links to online quizzes and activities. Also check out Energy Hogs. #
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• While searching for video resources for the Pledge of Allegiance on YouTube I came across a song that explained the meaning of the Pledge in a fun and educational way. The song was by Teacher and the Rockbots. Currently they have four albums out. One about American, on over multiplication, one on Science and one covering the World. The Ninja's students love them! Additionally, they have worksheets and online games to reinforce the concepts covered in the music. You can buy the CD or download from services likt iTunes. Video example after the jump.... (more...) #
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• Smart has released Notebook 10 for download. You will need a serial number from a Smart device to register and unlock the software for more than a 30-Day trail. Once registered, that activation code can be used on multiple computers and multiple installs of Notebook. The first 10,000 to register can a free 60 MB trail to the Smart Learning Marketplace. Also, the Lesson Activity Toolkit has come out of beta with several new types of games and activities that are customizable for the teacher. #
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• In an age of multiple formats for different types of media, it can get confusing even for a Tech Ninja. There's .wma, .wmv, .mp3, .mp4, .flv, .mov, .doc, .txt, .htm, and the list goes on. It always seems to be the case that the format that you need in isn't around. That is why it is nice to have some bookmarks to some media conversions sites. The Ninja has two for you. The first has a pay for section of the site but if you aren't in a hurry, you can try out Zamzar.com. My new favorite though is free and you can download the converted file immediately after conversion. Try out Media Convert. #
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• Spelling City is a website that the Ninja's class has been using for quite a few months. Teachers can add their spelling lists and then students can play games or even take tests online. There are a few things that the Ninja would like to see, like the ability to link to a specific spelling list, but the Ninja likes it as do the 'Lil Ninjas. #
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