#NaBloPoMo - This Week at Hixson

Every Thursday, I facilitate an after school activity called iProduction.

The goal of this group is to allow our kids to create a variety show every week for the whole school to view.

They choose the segments, write them, record them, edit them, produce them and post them.

Last year during #NaBloPoMo I would share the show every week it was produced. I enjoyed sharing their work with a wider audience, and sharing feedback from others about their show.

So without further ado I share with you: This week at Hixson

#NaBloPoMo App Exploration : Hype Interactive Live Video

Recently an App called Hype came out from the creators of Vine. With the immense popularity of Vine and the news of it's soon to be going away I thought I would check it out and give it a review.

Hype: Hype - Interactive Live Video by Intermedia Labs

For iOS https://appsto.re/us/Fobubb.i

A live streaming multi-media app.

It allows a user to create a screen filled with your chosen media including live streaming footage, the ability to add in images, audio, and words all while streaming live.

My first impressions: OH MAN there is TONS of POTENTIAL with this app.

Imagine live streaming an event, where you can add in images and scroll through them slide show style. Pop in text whenever you want to point something specific out our share details without having to say it. Add music to your live stream to make it a bit more interesting.

Some things I learned: 

Words do not show up until you finish editing them.

You can go back and change the same text you wrote previously.

You can make changes to everything in realtime while you stream.

You can download the footage after recording.

The app is an iPhone Only app presently.

Some things I need to figure out:

Can you control the volume of the music you add in?

Can you change the camera view while streaming (front facing to rear facing)?

Can you tweet out a link to your live Hype from within the app?

This is at very least a very fun idea for an app and I am excited to see it grow and transform. Check it out today.

Check out my fist Hype Interactive Video below or view it on my Hype Channel

TheTechSpec on @hype: Tech on the Side https://hy.pe/b/MYR

#NaBloPoMo A transformation of space, Part 1

"How might our Technology center better support all learners in the building?"

I started the school year off with this question in mind. and after we had issued all of our learner devices out I began looking at both the Tech Center and my office through this new lens.

The obstacle: Recording would often be interrupted by someone knocking on the door.
Sub obstacle:  We have many issues with student devices this year, hence the constant interruptions,

With these two obstacles identified, I started brainstorming on solution with the other techs and learners in the room.

My wondering...

"What if... I convert my office space into a recording studio to lessen interruptions and create a larger space to process the high volume of devices returning to the Tech Center on a daily basis in the current recording spot?"

Embracing the challenge a small group of us began the process of transforming my office space into a studio.

The Before

Click "The before" to view it in VR/360

The After

Click "The After" to view it in VR/360

The results have been spectacular. While I felt converting my office space left it feeling cramped and cluttered, the kids using the space felt like it was more realistic and studio like. 

As any space should be, the Studio is ever adapting to meet the needs of our learners (including myself)

The Present

Click "The present" to view it in VR/360