Recent updates
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Compare and select your no-cost video editing program
Updated onArticleThere are many free video editing tools available on the internet; however, most of them either are trial versions or add a watermark to the exported video. Here are our top four recommendations for free video editing software.
Teaching with Technology Resources Self-Capturing (Video/Screen Captures, Filming-at-home videos, etc.) Selecting your software
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Compare and select what video and recording software works best for your project
Updated onArticleThere are many video editing tools, with options ranging from basic to full-featured. The guide provides an overview and feature comparison of four easy-to-use editing tools currently available in the U of T Academic Toolbox for recording and editing videos: TechSmith Snagit Microsoft Stream PowerPoint Clipchamp The information on this guide will help you decide which tool is best for recording and editing your videos. It covers key factors like editing features, export formats, recording capabilities, and platform compatibility.
Teaching with Technology Resources Self-Capturing (Video/Screen Captures, Filming-at-home videos, etc.) Selecting your software
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Compare and select your asynchronous discussions tool
Updated onArticleThis guides provides an overview and comparison of Quercus Discussions, Piazza, and PeppeR. Discussions can be a great way to engage students in the online environment. They can be flexibly integrated into your course, offering real time (synchronous) or self-directed (asynchronous) opportunities for students to interact with the instructor and with each other, and to explore and reflect on course content. Asynchronous discussions let students reflect on and plan their responses before posting them. Students across different time zones may also find it easier to participate in asynchronous discussions. This page provides an overview and feature comparison of four tools currently available in U of T's Academic Toolbox that support asynchronous discussions in your Quercus course: Quercus Discussions Piazza PeppeR
Teaching with Technology Resources Online/Remote Course Design How to engage students
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How do I create the "newscaster" effect while streaming my video feed?
Updated onArticleThis guide will cover the process and gear needed to create a "newscast" style video, where software allows you to record two feeds at the same time, making it look like you are superimposed onto your presentation (without your webcam background showing up; this style of video requires a green screen). With a little work to get up and running, this video style is a great way for students to feel more connected with you, since they can see you as you explain content. For other style ideas, see an overview of different formats for videos (and their strengths/weakenesses).
"How to" Technical Guides (Non-Academic Toolbox Tools) OBS (Open Broadcaster Studio) Configuration
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Compare and select your backchannelling tool
Updated onArticleThis guide presents a comprehensive comparison table for the Microsoft Forms, MS Teams Q&A, iClicker, Kahoot!, Mentimeter, Piazza, Padlet, Poll Everywhere and Top Hat. Many instructors and teaching team members already make adjustments to class activities in real time based on student response, whether it’s by watching faces/body language to get a sense of what they’re understanding, using clickers, or using some of the “backchanneling” apps available to get students actively involved in lectures (e.g., Mentimeter, PollEverywhere, Kahoot!). This guide provides an overview of some popular backchanneling tools (both included in the U of T Academic Toolbox and un-vetted) that you could implement in your courses (and not all are typical classroom response tools). There are several features for you to consider, in addition to pedagogical value, including the support model, the cost, and if the tool has passed U of T's security audit. You will also want to consider how much time and energy you have to build and implement these tools. It is highly recommended that if you would like to implement a new tool, that you leave yourself a few months prior to the beginning of the class to fully test. You are also encouraged to talk to the Education Technology Office.
Teaching with Technology Resources TEAL (Technology Enhanced Active Learning) Resources Back channeling Tools and Techniques
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How do I administer Zoom in my course?
Updated onArticleThis guide provides an overview of how to manage Zoom in your Quercus course, starting from deciding whether Zoom is right for you and ending with sharing (and archiving) your recordings. To access and use Zoom, login to the UofT Zoom Portal. Zoom is now integrated into Quercus! As of August 2022, Quercus offers the ability for instructors and students to connect directly within their Quercus course using a new integration.
"How to" Technical Guides (UofT's Academic Toolbox) Zoom Before you Begin
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Strategies to make editing your video easier
Updated onArticleThis guide outlines tips on how to record content for editing and includes some information regarding what is more difficult (time consuming) to edit (and what is just impossible). These strategies are intended to be used while you are recording your content. It is difficult to edit without audio pauses, refreshing graphics to re-record, and full sentences to cut between, so it is important to build these into your recording routine.
Teaching with Technology Resources Self-Capturing (Video/Screen Captures, Filming-at-home videos, etc.) Preparing for post-production
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Overview of how to self-capture (and share) course content
Updated onArticleThis guide takes you step-by-step through how to self-capture a video on your computer (or tablet) from your location. Self-capturing content allows you to author your own content to be used in your courses. To do this, you need both hardware (a webcam/microphone are required) and software (both to author content and to record what is happening on your screen) installed and tested. After you're done recording, you'll need to "render" (produce) your video and then share it back to your class using a video streaming website (see our comparison table to evaluate which video hosting service is right for you). If you are looking for support during this process, please review if the EdTech Office could help support your video production via the Remote Editing Process.
Teaching with Technology Resources Self-Capturing (Video/Screen Captures, Filming-at-home videos, etc.) Before you Begin
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Compare and select your videohosting/streaming service
Updated onArticleThis guide presents a comprehensive comparison table for MyMedia, MS Stream, and YouTube. Uploading your recordings to a hosting/streaming service will allow you to archive your recordings for re-use, and create links that can be easily shared with your students. If you are looking to upload and share video content to students, the three major options available to U of T faculty members are: MyMedia - U of T Developed Solution (see our MyMedia guides) Stream (on SharePoint) - part of Uof T's Microsoft 365 suite (see Microsoft Stream FAQ). YouTube (Google) - not an institutionally supported tool at U of T (see Tips to safely implement un-vetted tools in your course) While the tools can be used in a variety of ways, this guide provides an overview and feature comparison of these three services, focusing on their functionality in terms of video hosting (not live broadcast/streaming).
Teaching with Technology Resources Self-Capturing (Video/Screen Captures, Filming-at-home videos, etc.) Sharing your content with your students
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How do I connect my Quercus course to Crowdmark?
Updated onArticleThis guide details how to connect your Quercus course to Crowdmark. To use this application within your course, you'll be creating, setting up and distributing your assessments to students via Crowdmark. Through the Crowdmark integration, grades will be synced to your Quercus course. Remember to plan for scanning! As of September 1st, 2020, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering has acquired a faculty-wide license for Crowdmark. While the faculty is licensing the tool, scanning of Administered Assessments (paper-based) remains the responsibility of each instructor (and their department). If you are a first year course, you can contact the Registrar's Office for scanning support.
"How to" Technical Guides (UofT's Academic Toolbox) Crowdmark Before your Course Begins