Recently, I ventured out and tried a new app in my class and was really pleased with the result, it ended up being a big hit with my students, teachers, administration and parents – so I wanted to share it with you.
I just got a Donors Choose project funded which gave me a couple of iPad Mini 3’s – which I am super stoked about. If you don’t know what Donors Choose is – check it out, this is my 3rd project that’s been funded through their organization.
Previously, the only tablet I had was an older 16GB iPad 2, I was happy to have it and used it a good bit with different Apps and Youtube Videos, but it was always running out of space, so I could never do anything requiring much video or photos and also couldn’t connect to my Apple TV bc of the firewall in our school districts wifi settings. Needless to say – I’m really glad to upgrade to some new tech tools.
With these new iPad Mini’s I have 128GB of storage – which is AMAZING for having more space for photo/video projects, storing lots of music and apps and they can also connect to my Apple TV using Bluetooth, which allows me to bypass the School Districts firewall on the Wifi blocking my iPad from mirroring to the TV (more on my TV setup Here).
Note: I do have an iPad to HDMI converter in case the wireless connection gets sketchy which sometimes happens – never hurts to have a backup plan 🙂
Using iMovie Trailers
Recently, I wanted to try out the iMovie App. There is a Trailer feature within the app that gives you a template to shoot a movie trailer. Basically, you just fill in the titles, choose the theme and then shoot 20-25 short 1-3 second videos and the app turns it into a slick looking trailer with cool transitions, background music and title screens – Pretty Sweet, right?
You can see an example below:
Below are the things I was able to accomplish after a short learning curve using the app:
- Shoot a trailer during class while teaching.
- Show students the finished product at the end of class (if we had time)
- Upload the video to Youtube as an unlisted video
- Share a link with their Homeroom Teacher and my Principal
After one week of making trailers, I got some great feedback from my teachers. They used it as a a reward for their students because the kids loved watching it. They also asked me if they could show it to their parents – I was like YES PLEASE!
Then my principal asked me to email her all the links so she could post them on our schools Facebook page and twitter account so parents could see them.
I’ve discovered that this is a HUGE advocacy tool for my Physical Education program and the best part is, it doesn’t take a lot of extra time on my part – the App does most of the work.
If your interested in learning to use iMovie Trailers, check out the quick tutorial below:
Can you tell why I like this app so much?
iMovie takes a lot of the work out of making a video look cool and by re-using the same template, it allowed me to save a ton of time, without compromising on the finished product. That’s a win.
If you have access to an iPhone or Tablet with a little bit of storage space – I highly recommend checking out iMovie and trying out the App – especially the movie trailer feature.
Possible uses in Phys Ed:
- Daily highlight videos to share with teachers or parents
- Weekly summary videos showing all your programs activities
- For my K-1 classes shooting a trailer for each class was a little too time consuming, so I shot a few clips during each class and then each made a trailer that had 3-5 classes in it.
- Field Day Highlights
- Jump Rope For Heart Highlights
- Color Run or other Fundraiser Promotional Video
- Advocacy Tool to present your program in a fun and engaging way
If you make a movie – shoot me a link on Twitter, I’d love to check it out.
Have Fun and Teach On!
Lisa Knight says
Hi,
Where did you get the ropes, the kids are swinging on? How did you install them? What do you do with them when not in use?
Thanks,
Lisa Knight-Chesapeake, Virginia
Byron says
Thanks for your suggestions Ben during this time of many unknowns.
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Byron!
You’re welcome! Glad you’re able to use the resources!
Susan says
I LOVE this!
Ryan says
I would love to hear more about your process, what you funded, and experience with the Donors Choose program. I would really love to integrate more technology in the gym and have been making plans for a t.v. set up like yours (just need the funds). By the way, thanks so much for all the great material, you are a awesome resource!
Ben Landers says
Thanks Ryan! My recommendation for Donors Choose is to try to get a few projects funded for under $500 before going for anything big. This was my biggest project and only one I’ve gotten funded over $1,000. It was also the third time I had tried to get this specific project funded. It’s also good to pay attention to specials and promotions – for example, Donors Choose recently did a promotion in SC where any money given towards a project on a specific day got it’s money doubled (this is the day that my project got funded).