Putting It Altogether--Video Mix

Two of my favorite educators in the know, Larry Ferlazzo of Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day and Richard Byrne of Free Technology for Teachers,  have mentioned a new web 2.0 application that makes video compilation a snap, Veengle.  Veengle is still in beta format; only videos searchable on YouTube are being used.  Created collections can be shared on a website, blog or other social networks.  In the terms of service no age limit is mentioned but in compliance with Federal online laws users should be 13 or older or have signed parental permission.

Begin by searching for specific videos on YouTube.  To save time in making my Veengle video I found the exact titles on YouTube prior to using this service.  I then entered those exact titles into the search box at the Veengle site.

After typing in the title one or more video options will appear on the screen.  Above a video are a series of icons.  Each represents the following from left to right:  add to my compilation, play, zoom, zoom +, open video editor and share this video.  As per the instructions at Veengle I clicked on open video editor.

An editing screen appears which allows the user to see the time lapse during the playing of the video, the volume can be adjusted, the video can be played, paused and stopped.  Start and end times can be set for the video which will be added to the collected works. Transition options are:  fade in, zoom in, iris, photo, rotate, squeeze, pixels, blinds, fly and wipe.  None, black and white, red, blue, green and negative are the color choices available.

When each portion of the video is selected, a transition or color chosen, click the add to compilation button.  On the left side of the screen is a list of the videos added.  Their position in the arrangement can be moved up or down as well as deleted.  As each video is added a total time can be seen at the bottom of the list.  The list can be previewed, saved or cleared.

When it is saved the user is asked to assign a title to the grouping.  Then click the save button again. The URL for the saved list is shown in the web site address line at the top of the page.

If you are planning on using this site on a frequent basis joining Veengle is a good idea. To join simply supply a username, password, email address and location (United States for example).  A saved compilation can be previewed, edited or deleted.  In addition to a URL link an embed code is provided.

Social networks that can be directly linked to the compilation are:  Facebook, Twitter, Buzz, MySpace, LinkedIn, Digg, Reddit, Delicious, StumbleUpon or by email.

Here is my initial compilation, Caldecott Contenders.