Start your own classroom news channel with Newsmaker
First off as I don't usually promote paid software unless it is really worth spending money let me say that Newsmaker is not free.
What is it? Newsmaker is a new program I purchased for our school in 2010 as we have been exploring setting up our own classroom radio and television stations and it is really a brilliant software package that we are using on an almost daily basis of late to achieve this goal.
Newsmaker compiles the process of scripting, teleprompting and recording your literacy session into a full blown video news story all within the one program with ease.
If you are using a laptop or desktop with a webcam and microphone then you are good to go straight away. You can either import text or write it within the program and then Newsmaker will set up a Teleprompter for you to read as it records you doing this.
My only complaint is that Newsmaker soes not offer built in chroma - keying for Green Screen users or the ability to add titles or credits.
You can do all of this yourself of course with other video editing packages after you have finished with newsmaker but it could be achieved all within the one program.
How can I use this in the classroom? Newsmaker could be used in nearly any form of literacy and if you are stuck for ideas elsewhere there are lesson plans located on the newsmaker site itself.
All in all Newsmaker has been a real winner with students and staff and you can download a 30 day trial here. Pricing will vary depending on location but it was definitely a cheaper option in comparison to some other educational packages out there.
Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 2:49PM |
Reader Comments (4)
I love using NewsMaker. My district has been working with Benson Loo, the creator, and he has given us several workshops. Last year I was using a flip camera to film students using robotic LEGOs. I was able to add some of the clips into NewsMaker. It is on my website called, "Interviews about the Robotic Models." This year I have just started to use it again by encouraging my 1st grade students to read stories in order to publish them on NewsMaker. I wrote one that includes simple words called, "Fran and Sam the Cat." I've started to add stories that the students have written. They are writing more. They've gone from one sentence to attempting a beginning, middle, and an end to their stories. I hope to have several more up next week. You can check them out at: http://pickard.susd.anlc.schoolfusion.us/modules/tt/profile.phtml?profile_id=12099&sessionid=95948ee80b9c487493768251fc2e29b4
i will make some intresting and funny news in newsmakers
Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up! Big thanks for the useful info. Pretty insightful post.
Army News Zone
How do you use the "Fun Resources". I have them all downloaded but, do not know where to put them and how to access them. There are NO INSTRUCTIONS anywhere? Please help...thanks