Benderconverter

This was the most difficult activity for me so far.  It took many hours to figure out something that now seems so easy.  The first thing I did was download Bender Real Player.  Then I used the player to search for a You Tube video. I clicked on my video and a download this video message appeared in the right hand corner.  I downloaded it, converted it to a .wmv file, and saved it.  Next I went to Google docs and selected a new presentation.  I have never used this program so it was pretty tricky.  I inserted my video into the slide along with a title.  Then I went to the share tab, clicked publish/embed, and copied my link into the Edit HTML tab and hit compose.  Low and behold my video finally appeared instead of just my links URL address.  This assignment took hours and hours of trial and error.  I didn't understand what I was doing or why at first.  Then I got so frustrated I kind of shut down.  This is day 3 and I finally got the hang of it.
     When I first heard about this activity, I was so excited because I am always wanting to show You Tube vidoes at school but am denied access.  Benderconverter sounded like the perfect solution.  Now my next step is to download videos and attempt to save them on a flash drive.  I learned a lot about video files in this last couple of days.  Now I hope I can apply them.  I think Google docs is a neat program and I may use it in the future instead of Powerpoint. 
     The standards addressed are #2 Design and Develop Digital-Age Learanning Experiences and Assessments and #5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.  Using videos that teach preschool skills allows teachers to incorporate digital tools to promote student learning.  By learning how to use new programs like Real Player and Google docs teachers improve their professional practice and model lifelong learning.