Create slideshows with music, text, and interactive quizzes!
Yes, I know this sounds like Animoto. Animoto and PhotoPeach are very similar, but there are some differences: (These differences are based on features in free accounts unless otherwise noted.)
1. Terms of use - Animoto: "You must be 13 years of age or older to be a User of the Site. By continuing to use the Site, you are warranting that you are at least 13 years old and you have the authority to enter into these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with these Terms of Service, immediately stop using the Site." PhotoPeach: "Persons under 13 years of age are required to have a parent or guardian review and complete the registration process."
2. Transitions - Animoto: lots of cool, spiffy options PhotoPeach: one default transition
3. Music - Animoto: tons of options, upload music from computer for free (at least with educator account) PhotoPeach: sufficient options, can choose music from YouTube, no uploading music with free account
4. Quizzes - Animoto: What quizzes? PhotoPeach: Easily create quizzes to make your show interactive.
5. Educational accounts - Animoto: free:) PhotoPeach: not free:(
Personally, PhotoPeach's free account has most of the features I would want anyway, so while having the educator account would be ideal, it isn't desperately necessary. I am also a big fan of PhotoPeach's "nicer", more workable terms of use. I find both programs easy to use, but PhotoPeach is INCREDIBLY intuitive.
Below is an insanely simple example that I created in about 3 minutes. I inserted a super hard three question quiz. The quizzes are my favorite part of PhotoPeach. Please note: about two of those minutes was just me messing around with the different music options.
What PhotoPeach can do for educators - Unfortunately, it isn't free for an educator account. Fortunately, most of what you see here for examples can be made and used in class with a free account. This page has examples and links for you to explore PhotoPeach further.
A little how-to guide...with pictures! - How to embed PhotoPeach. The only other thing you would have to do on FirstClass is format the font to "literal html". If this makes no sense to you, feel free to ask for help:)
How to find and use pictures with a Creative Commons license - created by the good folks at Book Trailers for All. If you and your students use these steps, you will not be violating copyright. You can add a blank slide on your PhotoPeach show to put all the information this document describes.
Create online notecards for your class at StudyBlue!
First, you'll need to create a teacher account here. After you create your account, you can sign in on the regular page. Students will make their accounts on the regular page.
Notecards you create can have:
regular text
subscripts or superscripts
symbols (including letters in foreign alphabets)
images (10 MB max)
audio*
*There will be some settings you will have to fiddle with before you can record audio. Since these settings depend on the microphone you are using, I can't give you specific instructions. Ask if you need help. The preview button takes a little while to work. Also, I haven't been able to get audio to work on my Android, but it works fine on the computer. Leave a little quiet time before and after your recording.
You can upload files to a class if you like. I would double check to make sure students can access everything easily. Files are read differently on a phone than they would be on the computer. You can also add notes. Those are read easily on both the phone and computer.
Students can study a set of flash cards as normal flash cards, a practice quiz, or a review sheet.
To create a class:
Roll the mouse over "+Add" and choose "Class"
Make sure York Junior High School is listed as the school
Start typing what you want the class to be called. If that class already exists, it will show up on the menu. If it doesn't, you can add a new class. I suggest teachers of the same type of class use the same class name. It will help students later.
Type in your name where it asks for the teacher.
Now this class folder will show up in your backpack.
You can add whatever you like to this class including folders.
To add students to your class: There are a few ways, but I think this is the easiest...
When you have your class open, click "Send invites" under the word "Classmates"
You'll see a Class Code (and some other info). Write this down and give it to your students. You can cancel your invitation.
There will be a spot for them to enter the Class Code when signing up.
Existing users can also add the code easily. Look here for instructions for both existing and new users.
Once students are in the class, they will receive notices when items are updated and have the opportunity to download.
Apps for your smartphone: Once students (or you) have an account, they can access their files on their phone. Just go to the appropriate app store and look for StudyBlue. It should be free. StudyBlue has apps for iPhone and Android. Once the app is downloaded, students can sign in and start studying:)
If students use their cell phone to study while at school, they will need to turn off WiFi on their phone and rely on their 3G or 4G networks. Please make sure parents will not be angry over the amount of data usage.
