Ever had that idea that you just couldn't shake? You know, the one where you put an ice cream cone in a waffle maker? Maybe the one where you put wheels on the bottom of shoes? See, you're not inventing something new. In fact, there's a good chance that it will never take off. Then again, it might just turn into the next revolution in that market. Well, a long, long time ago, there was this dream about being able to interact with videos. It was more than just cool - it was amazing.
So I had this idea and it was a surefire winner. No doubt about it, people were going to love it. The only problem was that I didn't know how to program, couldn't build a website, and had no idea what to do with video. Before I knew it, the idea had faded into another useless thought along with a phone that could search the Internet.
Fortunately, people much smarter than me had a similar dream and were actually smart enough to make something of it. TouchCast, a free app on the iPad, allows users to create interactive videos. Yes, INTERACTIVE VIDEOS! Through the use of what they are calling "vApps", or virtual apps, the creator of the video can embed web links, images, polls, quotes, maps, whiteboard, annotations, and so much more. That in itself is impressive, but it gets better. If the viewer is accessing the link through the TouchCast site, they can actually press on the vApps and they swap screens with the recording while it is still playing. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we call impressive. No, this is what we call mind-blowing. Below is a sample that I threw together for my class as a way to try it out for the flipped classroom.
So I had this idea and it was a surefire winner. No doubt about it, people were going to love it. The only problem was that I didn't know how to program, couldn't build a website, and had no idea what to do with video. Before I knew it, the idea had faded into another useless thought along with a phone that could search the Internet.
Fortunately, people much smarter than me had a similar dream and were actually smart enough to make something of it. TouchCast, a free app on the iPad, allows users to create interactive videos. Yes, INTERACTIVE VIDEOS! Through the use of what they are calling "vApps", or virtual apps, the creator of the video can embed web links, images, polls, quotes, maps, whiteboard, annotations, and so much more. That in itself is impressive, but it gets better. If the viewer is accessing the link through the TouchCast site, they can actually press on the vApps and they swap screens with the recording while it is still playing. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we call impressive. No, this is what we call mind-blowing. Below is a sample that I threw together for my class as a way to try it out for the flipped classroom.
The bottom line is that we are moving into a digital age in which the video and reality as we know it are evolving into more interaction, more manipulation, and more of the personalization that creates the best possible learning environment for our students. I am excited to see what the future holds for TouchCast and whoever else decides to steal my ideas.
For any help or ideas in implementing TouchCast into your curriculum, feel free to contact me or find me on Twitter.
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