Using Digital Tools In Classroom

In today’s digital age, integrating technology into the classroom is essential for enhancing the learning experience. The right tools can engage students while making lessons more interactive and enjoyable. Below are four digital tools—Canva, Quizizz, CapCut, and iMovie, that can help elevate your teaching.

1. Canva: Creating Stunning Visuals for Lessons

Canva is an easy-to-use design tool that allows educators to create visually appealing presentations, infographics, posters, and worksheets. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it perfect for teachers and students alike. In the classroom, Canva can be used to create engaging presentations, visually summarize complex topics with infographics, or even allow students to design their own posters for projects. Canva offers customizable templates, making it easy to create professional designs quickly, even for those with no graphic design experience. Canva’s free version is packed with features, and its interface makes it suitable for both educators and students.

2. Quizizz: Making Quizzes Fun and Interactive

Quizizz is a gamified quiz platform that adds excitement to classroom learning. Educators can create quizzes or use existing ones from the extensive Quizizz library to engage students in real-time. This tool is excellent for formative assessments, providing instant feedback on student performance, making it easy to identify areas that need improvement. Quizizz can also be used for homework, with automatic grading saving teachers time, or for review games to prepare students for exams. The platform’s game-like design keeps students engaged, while the ability to access quizzes on various devices makes it ideal for online classes as well.

3. CapCut: Empowering Video Creation for Projects

CapCut is a powerful, yet user-friendly, video editing app that allows students and teachers to create polished video content or lectures. Educators can also use it to edit or create the recap of the lectures : both online & offline. Its ease of use and powerful editing features, combined with the fact that it’s free, make CapCut a great tool for video editing.

4. iMovie: Crafting Professional-Quality Classroom Content

iMovie is a well-known video editing software available for macOS and iOS, offering powerful tools to create professional-looking videos. Educators can use iMovie to craft lesson recaps, instructional videos, or explainer content for students. iMovie’s features, such as transitions, voiceovers, and green screen effects, allow for creative and dynamic video projects, making learning more engaging. The seamless integration with other Apple products makes iMovie an ideal tool for Apple-based classrooms, empowering both educators and students to produce professional-grade content.

Incorporating digital tools like Canva, Quizizz, CapCut, and iMovie into your classroom can enhance learning by fostering creativity, collaboration, and engagement. Whether you want to create visually appealing lessons, make quizzes fun, or give students the opportunity to develop multimedia skills, these tools provide the versatility needed to enrich the learning experience.

Contact OLC staff to reserve studio time or learn more about these digital tools’ integration. 

September Update

Image: W608 Studio ready for a shoot with Chief Diversity Officer Stephanie Akunvabey.

Media Production in August

  • • 20 hours of consultations with faculty and staff in Dyson College, PESP, Seidenberg, and the School of Education.
  • • 10 videos produced (103 minutes total); 4 additional edited cuts.

Project Updates:

  • – Two staff members from Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion used the NYC studio for the first time. Bernard Dufresne used it to create a professional video with the teleprompter. Stephanie Akunvabey used it to create instructional videos for her course in the HEASA program.
  • – Professor Julia Nomee updated a set of videos for the CS101 course, which will be used across nearly 50 sections.
  • – Verizon Technician Training video production is underway. This is a Pace partnership and asynchronous course in telecommunications to prepare 6,000+ minority men and women to apply for jobs at Verizon.
  • – From the OLC Blog: Please see these great posts on using teleprompters and Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) from Ankit, OLC Student Assistant.

Production Tip of the month: The OLC makes podcasting easy. Have an idea for a show? Email us to book studio time!

August Update

Image: Verizon employee Rene Ryan gives a tour of the Garden City Verizon plant to the Pace University project team.

Media Production in July

  • • 20 hours of consultations with faculty and staff in Dyson College, Haub, PESP, and the School of Education.

Project Updates:

  • – Production continues on an asynchronous course in telecommunications for Verizon Forward, a Pace partnership to prepare 6,000+ minority men and women to apply for jobs at Verizon.
  • – Please see these great posts on using teleprompters and Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) from Ankit, OLC Student Assistant.

Production Tip of the month: Kick-start your podcast in the OLC this summer by inviting your interview guests to join you in our studio.

July Update

Image: A group activity at the PESP summer retreat in Pleasantville.

It’s summer in the studio, and that means faculty can create media and enjoy our excellent AC in the OLC! The Version Forward project is the big story this month, as curriculum development will soon be in high gear for a rapid development and Fall launch.

Media Production in June

  • • 21 hours of consultations with faculty and staff in CHP, Haub, Human Resources, PESP, and Seidenberg.
  • • 6 videos produced (56 minutes total); 8 additional edited cuts.

Project Updates:

  • – Preproduction has begun on an asynchronous course in telecommunications for Verizon Forward, a Pace partnership to prepare 6,000+ minority men and women to apply for jobs at Verizon.
  • – Please see these great posts on using teleprompters and Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) from Ankit.

Production Tip of the month: Kick-start your podcast in the OLC this summer by inviting your interview guests to join you in our studio.

Video Resume & Resources

What is a video resume ?
A video resume is a short video where students can introduce themselves to a hiring manager or recruiter. It usually goes along with a traditional resume and cover letter. This format allows students to highlight specific skills or experiences that make them perfect for the role. It’s also a great way for them to show their creativity and personality, fitting in with the company’s culture. A good video resume should be between 30 seconds and two minutes long. 

Here are few examples to consider as good Video Resumes :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-pHWe1S-KQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv6mDeFPT2M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyFaBZ_BQhc


Why is a Video Resume needed?
A video resume offers a dynamic way to enhance student’s job application by allowing them to showcase their personality, creativity, and specific skills that might not be as evident in a traditional resume. It provides a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression and stand out from the competition, especially in creative and communication-heavy fields. By visually demonstrating your abilities and enthusiasm, a video resume can effectively highlight why students are an ideal fit for a role, making their application more memorable and impactful to potential employers.

How to make video resume?

Creating a video resume is quite different from designing a traditional resume or writing a cover letter. It involves a mix of preparation and technical skills, like visual storytelling and editing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling video resume:

1.⁠ ⁠Write a Script

Start by planning your video. Decide whether you want to speak directly to the camera or include action shots showcasing your skills. If you choose to incorporate action, outline each segment to maintain a logical flow.

Next, consider what you want to say. If you prefer a conversational tone, jot down bullet points highlighting your key skills, experiences, and qualifications. If you aim for a polished delivery, script your speech word for word. Use strong action verbs to make your points more impactful, just as you would in a traditional resume.

Check this example here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSs68R4zhLI&t=912s

2.⁠ ⁠Prepare a Filming Space

Set up a space with a neutral background and good lighting for any segments where you’ll be speaking to the camera. Props can add context, but ensure they don’t distract from you. For action shots, make sure your space includes any necessary props and equipment, and limit the number of people in the background to keep the focus on you.

3.⁠ ⁠Set Up a Recording Device

Choose a device capable of capturing high-quality video and audio, like a smartphone, tablet, computer, or camera. Position the device at a height that frames your face and shoulders, or further back if including full-body shots. For action shots, ensure the device captures all necessary movements clearly.

4.⁠ ⁠Record Several Takes

Using your script or outline, record each segment multiple times, experimenting with different expressions and tones to find the most engaging takes. If you’re delivering a speech, consider breaking it into shorter segments to facilitate retakes. For action shots, record extended sequences to choose the best moments later, making the action appear more natural and fluid.

5.⁠ ⁠Gather Additional Visuals

Depending on your video’s content, you might include elements like informational slides, infographics, photos, or clippings. Gather these materials early in your editing process to complement your footage dynamically and engagingly.

6.⁠ ⁠Edit the Video

Review your footage and select the best takes. Using your script as a guide, begin editing to create a cohesive story. Incorporate additional visuals, such as achievements or awards, to visually support your narrative. Use video editing software or applications to cut, organize, and compile your video. Many devices come with built-in editing tools to assist you.

7.⁠ ⁠Get Feedback

Watch your final video several times to ensure clarity and organization. Share it with a friend, coworker, or mentor to get constructive feedback. Their insights can help you refine the video and leave a stronger impression.

How to edit a video resume?
There are several free software options available that can help you edit your video resume effectively. One popular choice is CapCut, which is a user-friendly video editing app available on mobile devices. It offers essential editing tools like trimming, adding text, and applying filters, making it suitable for creating polished video resumes directly on your smartphone. Another useful tool is Canva, known for its versatility in graphic design, but also offers basic video editing capabilities. Canva allows you to create and edit videos, add text, graphics, and animations to enhance your video resume with a professional touch. Both CapCut and Canva provide accessible and intuitive platforms for editing and refining your video resume to ensure it makes a strong impression on potential employers.

 

OBS or Zoom? Which app is better for you and why.

Think of OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) as your personal recording studio, giving you full control over how your lecture looks and sounds. With OBS, you can mix and match different video sources, like your webcam, a presentation slide, or even a video clip, just like a TV producer. You can tweak the video and audio settings to get the best quality, ensuring your lectures are clear and professional. Plus, you can record as long as you want without any restrictions or watermarks, and you don’t need an internet connection to do it.

On the other hand, Zoom is more like a ready-made tool that’s fantastic for live meetings but not as versatile for recording. It’s easy to use but doesn’t offer much room for customization or high-quality recording. You also need a good internet connection to record with Zoom, and there are often time limits and potential interruptions, especially with the free version. In a nutshell, if you want polished, high-quality lecture recordings with lots of creative freedom, OBS is your go-to choice.

Also checkout the tutorial video by our student assistant on OBS here.

Teleprompter, & how you can use it for your advantage.

A teleprompter is a device that help users to read texts on screen while recording and looking at the camera simultaneously. This not only help to maintain eye contact with the camera but also helps to keep a steady pace while recording a lecture. The Teleprompter can also help you with the entire script of notes, ensuring the lecturer speaks effortlessly and without having them to memorize or look away to check their notes. The text scrolls automatically at a very minimal speed, which helps the lecturer maintain their flow, making the lecture more engaging and professional.
  • Key benefits of Teleprompter :A) Structured Delivery : Having the entire script of notes ready helps with the overall structure of the lecture. This reduces any errors of forgetting or missing out on any key points.B) Engaging and Interactive : Teleprompter can also provide cues in between to help you insert questions and quizzes in the lecture, making it more engaging and interactive for students.

    C) Reducing errors and retakes : The Teleprompter is programmed beforehand with the entire script, which gives lecturers a very small window for error and thus reduces the need for multiple retakes.

Pace Online Learning Center is equipped with the state of the art tech and support to help you with any assistance for your online lectures. Reach out to Pace staff at OLC@pace.edu. We’re happy to help!

Meet Ankit, Student Assistant

We are excited to introduce Ankit, the latest addition to the Pace Online Studios team.

Ankit joined us in June 2024 as a student assistant. He is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Mobile & Social Media Marketing at the Lubin School of Business. With a strong background in creative marketing and content production, Ankit brings a deep passion for media and production to our team.

At Pace Online Studios, Ankit will be assisting with both pre-production and post-production processes, including video editing and visual graphics.
Make sure to check out Ankit’s tutorial on the new app CAPCUT, a user-friendly tool for video editing and motion graphics!

June Update

Image: OLC Student Assistants Lara Gedeon and Smit Goswami at Commencement.

Congratulations to Smit and Lara on their graduation from Pace! We will miss them in and around the OLC, but they are both stepping into a new stage in their careers. Good luck to you both!

Media Production in May

  • • 31 hours of consultations with faculty and staff in Haub Law, Pace Online, School of Ed, and Seidenberg.
  • • 15 videos produced (260 minutes total); 5 additional edited cuts.

Project Updates:

  • – OLC staff attended Commencement to film testimonials and a special feature on Chris Jewell, this year’s NACTEL Founders Award recipient. See the video on YouTube.
  • – Planning has begun for the Verizon Forward grant, a Pace partnership to prepare 6,000+ minority men and women to apply for jobs at Verizon. Stay tuned.
  • – The OLC welcomes Ankit Komal as a Student Assistant, starting in June. Welcome Ankit!

Production Tip of the month: Did you know you can use your iPhone camera if you are using Zoom on a Mac laptop or desktop computer? In general, it is a much better camera that the native camera on your computer. See this FAQ for further information (note: your Mac must be on iOS Ventura or later).

May Update

Image: A student sits for an interview in the OLC NYC studio for a University Relations program.

Media Production in April

  • • 14 hours of consultations with faculty and staff in Dyson, Haub Law, Sands, and University Relations.
  • • 20 videos produced (183 minutes total); 3 additional edited cuts.

Project Updates:

  • – Brian presented on “Creating Engaging Multimedia for Your Courses” at the Instructional Development Day. The Pace community can view the presentation on Panopto.
  • – Led by Pace faculty Nora Woolley and Ann Davison, Senior Showcase performances by Acting BA students wrapped up in the studio mid-April. Congrats to the graduates!
  • – Production began on the 2024 Pace Online Commencement ceremony.

Production Tip of the month: Use a studio teleprompter to deliver your content flawlessly while looking directly into the camera.

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