Google Chrome Tip and Trick: Capture annotate

There are many ways to capture a screen so that you can use images from the internet or another program that you have on your computer.  People use capture software all the time so that they can take a picture of what they are looking at and then use it on a blog or website or just to email a friend to ask a question.

Google chrome has a few of these.  The one I use is called "Capture Annotate."  It allows you to quickly capture an image from a web page, edit it, and then save it.

Disadvantages:

• It is software that is installed on your Google Chrome browser so this won't work for you if you want to capture images from another piece of software such as "Microsoft Office."  You must be in Google Chrome browsing the internet to use this extension.

Tutorial

1.  Go to the following link and then click the "Add to Chrome" button.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/alelhddbbhepgpmgidjdcjakblofbmce

2.  Once it is installed you will see this icon at the top right of your Google Chrome browser.

3.  Now navigate to a specific web site from which you would like to capture an image and then click the Capture icon.  You will get three options.  If you want to capture everything you see on the website, use the first option.  The second option allows you to draw a square around a specific area and will take a picture of everything in the square.  The third option lets you capture the whole screen.

4.  In this tutorial I am going to take a picture of a specific are on Google and then edit the image.  Once take your picture of a specific area you will be take to a new window or tab.  The first button will let you crop the image a little smaller.  You can use the second and third buttons to draw a square around a portion of your image.  Then you have your lines, the arrow, straight line, and squigly line.  I really like the button that looks like a rain drop.  This is nice because you can use it to "blur" out information that is more confidential.  The "A" button allows you to type directly on your image.  The next button over will give you a color option so that you can change the colors of your markings.  Finally you have your "Undo" button and your "Done"button.

5.  The image below demonstrate all of the different tools you can use on your image.  Once you are done editing it, click the "Done" button.

6.  Now you will see the "Save" and "Copy" buttons.  If you want to save your image permanently on your computer then click the "Save" button. The "Copy" button allows you to copy the image and then paste it somewhere else.

That is all there is to it.  A piece of cack.

Create dynamic data charts using Hohli Charts.

I have blogged before about students and teachers having the capability to easily create dynamic charts and graphs based on data they have collected.  Hohli charts is another simple method of doing so.  In fact with Hohli charts you and your students don't have to log in to create and share charts.

Advantages of using Hohli Charts

• Generates a link to your generated chart
• No login is required.  Just start creating a dynamic chart
• There are many types that you can create.
• Line, bar, pie, ven diagrams, scatter plots, radar charts, 
• You can tell the site how big you want your chart to be.  This is nice if you plan on making a printed copy.

Here is a simple example of what the chart can look like.

Tutorial

1.  Go to charts.hohli.com and choose the chart type that you would like to work on.

2.  Now choose the size of your chart.

4.  You will notice that off to your right you will see your chart being built as you add the data to it.  This is the visual representation so that you can make sure it is relevant and looks good.

5.  Now type in your data sets.  In this case I am typing in data on favorite colors.  In the box below type in how many.  If you click on the "Auto" you can change the color of that particular data set.  I could change it to black as I am asking how many like black.  Hit "Save" and then type in your next data set.

6.  Your "Data Max Value" is the largest number you want to view on your Y Axis.  In this case I have 33 students so I want that to be my max value.

7.  In this section you just need to play with it and remember to look to your right at your image being unfolded as you change the settings.  Play with the fonts and colors until your chart looks great.  You need to "Save" it each time so that your image refreshes.

8.  Change your background color in the next section.  Remember to find a background that doesn't clash with your font color.

9.  You can also use gradient colors.  I love playing with gradients.

10.  I haven't really worked with the "Grid" section.  Play with it a little and see if settings here will enhance your educational data chart.

11.  Once you are done with your chart, click on the image of your chart on the right hand side of your screen.  This will pop open a new window from which you will be able to copy your embed code or get the direct link to your chart.

Well this is how simple creating a dynamic chart with your students can be.  Much easier than going through an "Excel" spreadsheet and you can see your chart unfold as you are working on it.