Technologies

Why

• The affordances for video for learners are many. Not only does it enhance engagement and accomodate different learning styles, it allows for self-paced learning and gives human authenticity to Extension content.

Good to know

• Creating educational videos does not have to be an overwhelming task. The complexity of creating a video really depends on the size of your project.

Why

• Animated GIFs are short, looping animations made from a series of images or frames. They’re used to convey motion, emotion or a quick visual idea without needing full video.
• Ideas for use:
  • Short tutorial or demonstration
  • Grab attention
  • Highlight a product or process

Good to know

• Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for users who cannot see the animation.

Why

• Thinglinks make course and web-based content more engaging and interactive for audiences, while still thinking carefully about maintaining accessibility
• Thinglinks are a great tool for noting details on complex images of plants, animals, and landscapes. You can make the point of interest go to another image, a video, an audio description, or just text.

Good to know

• Thinglinks can sometimes be challenging for accessibility.

Why

• Whiteboards are traditionally a great facilitation technique, and a collaborative whiteboard is a way to do this virtually.
• Ideas:
  • Create an end of workshop debrief/takeaway whiteboard for your participants to reflect on what they’ve learned, how they feel, etc.
  • Brainstorm ideas, clump them or vote on them.

Good to Know

• We recommend Zoom Whiteboard, it has great functionality and is included in your UMN Zoom license. Similar whiteboarding tools that people like are FigJam and Miro.

Why

• Screencasts can be good for both complex instructions or basic tutorials, especially if it's helpful to not have to repeat them over and over. (just send the video!)
• Screencasts are an authentic way to capture educational delivery in a low-overhead manner.

Good to know

• We have many tools that can record your screen. WeVideo, PowerPoint, the Windows Snipping Tool and ScreenPal (formerly Screencastomatic).

Why

• Genially has a few interesting interactive options. One that is the most uniue is its image comparison slider. This tool is great for showing "before and after" scenarios, comparing historical maps to modern ones, or highlighting changes in a landscape.

Good to know

• Genially is not an ELT supported tool, meaning we will make a best effort to help you but cannot guarantee longevity of your creation. Use it for short-term assets.

Why

• Interactive maps like Google My Maps are great tools because they can turn text based information into a visual format that can convey more information or context to the viewer. Points can be added to the map one by one by searching, or via lat/long in a spreadsheet.
• Google My Maps is specifically a very easy tool for creators and viewers that makes custom, annotated maps.

Why

• It's easy to create a short audio clip.
• Being able to describe information verbally is a crucial skill.