Automatically Play YouTube Video in Full Screen Mode

You can change the URL of a YouTube video to force it to automatically open up in full-screen mode. You can use this link for lessons or share with other people. 

Check out the example here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2k9O52tEkY 

Steps:

1. Copy this URL: https://www.youtube.com/embed/
2. Click the share button below the YouTube video
3. Copy the Video ID # and paste it after the last forward slash in the above URL (in the video above the ID # is y2k9O52tEkY)
4. Copy the completed URL and use to link or share with others. 

The complete URL will look similar to this (minus a different Video ID #): https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2k9O52tEkY

Cropping YouTube (Or Google Drive) Videos in Google Slides

Google Slides has video options available, so when you put in a YouTube or Google Drive video you have the ability to have only a select portion of that video play. Here is a quick two minute tutorial on how to make it happen. 

Video was made quickly...so no judgement. ;-)

Creating & Editing Slideshows in YouTube

Many people don't know that you can easily create a custom slideshow in YouTube, with text, transitions, music, filters, and so much more. 

I recently introduced this to a couple teachers at the middle school I work at part time and they already have some of their students using it to create a PSA. While the students were able to create the slideshows easily, without my assistance of the assistance of the teacher, they ran into an issue when it was the end of class. When you create a slideshow there was no way to save and come back later. You have to create the slideshow video or you lose all of your work. This is where I had to intervene and show them how they could use the video editor to come back next class period and continue editing their work. 

If you have never created a slideshow before, here is the video for you: 

If you have created a slideshow, but want to know how to edit it after it has already been created, here is the video for you: 

20 YouTube Channels for Educators

YouTube has proven to be a go-to place when you want to learn something new. You can find educational videos on how to round numbers, educational experts giving speeches, how to use Google Classroom, and so much more. 

I recently presented YouTube Can Do That?! at the annual TCEA Conference. One of the participants came up to me afterwards to ask where to find good educational channels. That prompted me to create this list of the educational channels I recommend.

Professional Development on Digital Tools 

• Teacher Cast (Jeffrey Bradbury) - TeacherCast Podcasts, Broadcasts, App Reviews, Screencasts
• Richard Byrne - videos to support his Free Tech for Teachers blog. 
• Kelly Fitzgerald (shameless plug...) - my videos centered around integrating digital tools

Focusing on Google for Education tools

• Google for Education - official channel of Google for Education
• Google Chrome - official YouTube channel for the Chrome browser, OS, Web Store, and Chromebooks
• The Gooru - great informational resource to learn about Google for Education tools. 
• Eric Curts - information and tutorials for educational technology resources centered around Google for Education. 

Teaching Strategies

• Edutopia - highlights the evidence-based teaching strategies, such as project-based learning, STEAM, response to intervention, tech literacy, etc. 
• Buck Institute for Education - centered around project based learning (PBL). 

Inspirational Videos

• Ted-Ed - collection of inspiring videos in animation format
• TedX - videos from TedX talks around the globe
• Big Think - showcasing videos from educational experts
• Infinite Thinking - engaging Internet TV show for educators to inspire creativity and innovation

Content Specific

• Amoeba Sisters - videos focusing on explaining difficult science concepts through animation and humor. 
• Khan Academy - content based teaching videos
• Discovery Education - stories and experiences from the world of science, natural history, anthropology, survival, geography, and engineering.
• National Geographic - videos featuring stories on natural history, wildlife, and so much more
• SciShow - explores the unexpected of science
• Mathantics - fun videos centered around math concepts
• Educator - instructional videos in math & science 

Tools for Cropping YouTube Videos

YouTube is a great tool to use with students, but sometimes you don't always want students to have to watch the entire video. Here are some cool tools to use to crop YouTube Videos:

Force a YouTube Video to Start a Certain Timestamp
Use this feature to have a YouTube video automatically start a certain timestamp.

TubeChop
Use TubeChop to crop the beginning and end of a YouTube video. 

Tammy Worcester's YouTube Video Clipper
This is perfect if students do not have access to YouTube. Please see her post for directions on using this tool. 

Photos to Slideshow in No Time Flat!

Here is a tutorial on how you can take photos from your phone/tablet and quickly turn them into a YouTube slideshow. 

There are also some advanced features you can use to make your slide show more personal. Here is how to add text to your slideshow: