By Lucas and Ivorye
What is Explain Everything?
Explain Everything is a digital and interactive whiteboard application that allows audio and video content to be mixed with digital illustrations. Documents, pictures, and videos can be inserted onto the whiteboard, then on-screen drawing, annotation, object movement and audio can be recorded. This tool can be used for interactive lessons, activities, and instructions by recording, exporting, and uploading captured material. This platform is user-friendly and designed to be accessible to diverse users with various capabilities.
What are the privacy policies for Explain Everything?
Explain Everything does not collect or send any personal data or created content anywhere. All data stays on the device unless the content is uploaded to external services (YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive etc.). The only information collected is anonymous data related to the functions within the app and is then used for enhancements. Explain Everything may be obligated to disclose some personal data if public authorities request that on the ground of national security or law enforcement requirements. Explain Everything is unified with the European and United States Privacy Shield Framework established by the U.S. Department of Commerce in regards to collecting and using personal information. If using this application in the classroom a teacher would have to follow the school’s code of conduct in terms of receiving parental permission.
Getting started!!
After creating an account using an email address, you are able to begin creating projects! This photo displays the starting screen where you can decide to use a blank canvas, choose a template, upload a file, or enter an invite code to another project. On the left-hand side is the toolbar where you can choose to type, draw, highlight, erase, insert photos, files, doodles, clipart and more. The record button is located on the bottom of the screen in the middle. Once the recording is started, the app captures all tasks on the screen as well as audio. The recordings can be stopped and started as needed. There is also an option to cut/snip the visual and audio recordings separately to edit seamlessly and not have to redo all parts. The top right is where the project can be exported to an external platform or device. The three dots, in the same location, are used to refine the settings of the app and give access to quick tips and assistance. This tool is really helpful as it gives step by step instructions on the basics of using the app. Watch this quick video to see the tutorials.
Intermediate Classroom Examples
PROS
- Allows users to interact through various modes (audio, text, visual).
- Flexible and adaptable materials for engagment by diverse learners.
- Can export projects and share with teacher, peers and more.
- User-friendly navigation and tools, including helpful tips.
- No personal information is collected and shared.
- Users can keep data private or decide if/how it is shared.
- Has easy to use features
- Improves teachers ability to present.
- Pre recorded lessons would benefit subsitute teachers or students who missed class.
CONS
- Requires downloadable software
- Requires a subscriptions or membership for greater access.
- In order to export to an external software a membership is required.
- Not having a subscription affects the ability to save more that one project at a time.
- Software base is run through the US.
- In order to add files from Google Drive you have to download the Drive App onto the device.
- Because the app is innovative, it may be difficult for some users to learn.
- We recommend watching this tutorial to teach/learn the funtions of the app.
