Grееn Sсrееn Tools And Tips Fоr Uѕіng In Thе Сlаѕѕrооm

Green Screen Tools and Tips for Using in the Classroom

If you aren’t taking advantage of the green screen to add depth to project-based learning in your class, then you will want to read this primer on how to get started. In this entry, we take the direct route to inexpensive green screen tools and offer real examples from classrooms.

 

Green screen or chroma key allows you to photograph a subject against a green or blue background and replace that background with a digital backdrop of your choice. It is the easiest and less expensive way to put your subject against any backdrop you want without spending a fortune for costly backdrops. You can do this with existing quality software that doesn’t cost you anything at all.

 

A green background works well because it is the furthest color away from human skin tones. That makes it easier to remove the green and place a background. If you aren’t familiar with green screen creation, follow the tips below to get started:

1. Pick your app.

Whether you are on iOS or Android, it is quite easy to create the special effects green screens afford. Some apps you can use include Green Screen for iOS or Green Screen Pro for Android. For Windows or Mac users, do NOT spend hundreds of dollars on a green screen program.

Do Ink is a green screen app available in iPhone, iTunes, and iPad. By using the green screen effect, Do Ink green screen lets teachers and kids create amazing photo and video projects. Elementary school kids can use Do Ink green screen to create their own movies, tell stories, explain their ideas, and so on. This app can use the live camera feature but it also allows you to work on prerecorded photos and videos. Creations of kids can be saved so that it can be shared later. Other features include using both the front and back cameras, setting a stop time for the video, white balance, exposure, video trimming, etc.

2. Decide on the type of project.

Consider allowing your students to choose. For example, you might assign them a book trailer, a holiday portrait, or thank you note to a guest speaker, a commercial for a product, news/morning broadcast, or historical report. They might even decide to do something else like a sports or music video.

3. Keep the following technical tips in mind:

Take advantage of a teleprompter (like the free online CuePrompter on a computer) to help cue students.

How Do Ink Green Screen Works

Do Ink green screen is a versatile and easy to use tool. Here is how you can create photos and videos by using Do Ink:

1. Open the Do Ink green screen app.
2. You will see a “+” sign. Click on this sign.
3. Click on “create a new project”.
4. Now, the first thing to do is to add the bottom layer. To do this, select the source from where you want to import the picture. The source may be your camera, video, image or Do Ink library.
5. Using the masking feature will allow you to create different transparent sections on the layers. Therefore, it is recommended to use this feature.
6. Add the middle layer i.e. camera layer on the timeline. Again, select the source which may be a camera, video, image or Do Ink library. If you want to take a picture or record a video, use the camera as a source.
7. If you want to add some additional backgrounds, then drag the picture to a stopping point (that you consider appropriate). This will increase the number of seconds. Then click on the “+” sign to add an additional background.
8. If you want to zoom in a layer, pinch it in the preview window.
9. If you want to take a picture, click on the white, circle-shaped icon. You will have the option to discard your creation or save it to the camera roll.
10. If you want to take a video, click on the red, circle shaped icon.

Using Do Ink Green Screen with elementary students

Do Ink green screen is one of the best tools for education. If you want to use it with your elementary students, here is how you can do it:

Presentations about Animals

Students can use Do Ink green screen to present their learnings about different animals they studied in the library.

1. To make this project fun and interesting, ask your students to eat large pizzas and bring the empty pizza boxes to the school.
2. The next step is to prepare the green screen. To do this, paste green paper to the inside of the boxes.
3. Ask students to draw the animals they researched on a paper and cut out this paper.
4. Paste green paper on rulers/sticks.
5. Tape the animals on green rulers.
6. Point the camera at the pizza box and hold the animals in front of it.
7. Start recording.
8. The green background will be replaced with the photo you have selected. For this purpose, animal habitat pictures can be used.
9. Upload the student creations to the Google drive.
10. Once all students are done with their projects, share these videos with the whole class for viewing.

Educational Benefits of doing Green Screen Projects

Green screen allows pupils to discuss, evaluate or reflect on their learning using their imagination and digital skills. Pupils can share a story or get into character using a background setting of their choice – this is a classic example of using technology to do things that would not be possible without technology as suggested with the SAMR model in the classroom.