Although there have been various tools out there to edit video and music online, this month we see two more added to the mix. The difference this time is that it is two big players in the tech world that are giving us these tools – two companies that you might already be using.
First up is this small company called Google you might have heard of. Last week they announced that you can edit videos online with YouTube Video Editor. A few basic features are present – you can crop the beginning and/or end of a video, combine multiple videos together, and even add music from a free music library. Well, not totally free – if you use the music there, the editor says ads will be displayed. I’m not seeing anything about the ability to download what you created. Although, there are always ways of doing that with YouTube.
But that is about it for this service – still probably in Beta at best, and you can’t edit or mix audio. That would be the next nice step. But the big deal is that it is also connected to the largest online video sharing site ever.
But what if you are wanting to create music of your own? Not just mix a soundtrack, but create music like you would on a synthesizer… but online? Aviary recently released Roc:
“Use Aviary’s music creator to simulate dozens of musical instruments including piano, guitars and drums. Create music loops and patterns for use in Aviary’s audio editor (Myna) or as ring tones.”
And you can add your own voice or music to the mix. I gave it a shot – it is surprisingly easy to use. you can listen here:
(oh, and all of the embed and share stuff you see above was part of the package deal with Aviary. Nice.)
For hardcore video mixers or musicians, this is probably not that great of a deal. For teachers and amateur creative types – this is huge. Many different projects could be created online and easily shared with students around the world.
Matt is currently an Instructional Designer II at Orbis Education and a Part-Time Instructor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Previously he worked as a Learning Innovation Researcher with the UT Arlington LINK Research Lab. His work focuses on learning theory, Heutagogy, and learner agency. Matt holds a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas, a Master of Education in Educational Technology from UT Brownsville, and a Bachelors of Science in Education from Baylor University. His research interests include instructional design, learning pathways, sociocultural theory, heutagogy, virtual reality, and open networked learning. He has a background in instructional design and teaching at both the secondary and university levels and has been an active blogger and conference presenter. He also enjoys networking and collaborative efforts involving faculty, students, administration, and anyone involved in the education process.