Zamzar

· Zamzar is free on a limited basis and no signup is required · The program allows you to easily convert files to other file types including videos. · Since the tool is web-based it is not platform specific. · Paid subscriptions allow you to store files online. · You must view ads to enjoy free usage. · Converted file is only available for 24 hours when using the free service. · Free account only offers “best effort” e-mail support response time (paid accounts specify a turnaround of 2-7 days depending on the pricing tier you select. · This site will definitely be helpful for educators and students who are trying to manipulate varying types of files in varying operating systems.If the computer you are using does not support the file type that you are trying to open chances are that Zamzar can convert it to a file type that you will be able to utilize. <span style="color: black; font-family: symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: symbol; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msofareastfontfamily: symbol; msolist: ignore;">· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Potential loss of files and information.When using the free services of Zamzar it would be imperative to maintain a backup copy of your file in the event that you did not go back and access your converted file within 24 hours.Files are deleted after 24 hours.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">[|Zamzar] is a site I will definitely be adding to my list of bookmarks and distributing to my students and colleagues.This site enables you to upload many different file types and then convert them to many other different file types. **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Strengths **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Files, once converted, can be saved for later use. (C. Runyon)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Weaknesses **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Opportunities **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you are unable to access materials due to district filters (such as a video on Youtube), Zamzar can make the material accessible to you & it can be saved on your computer for later use. (C. Runyon)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Threats **

<span style="color: black; font-family: symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: symbol; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msofareastfontfamily: symbol; msolist: ignore;">· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You can convert videos files (such as a YouTube video) to a variety of different files allowing students to access from their computers, mp3 players, cell phones, etc.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Ideas for the classroom **

<span style="color: black; font-family: symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: symbol; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msofareastfontfamily: symbol; msolist: ignore;">· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If your school district utilizes blocking for certain sites (like YouTube) you can download the movies and convert them to a file type that is supported to enable you to use these resources.

Resources: http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2007/03/30/teachtube-rather-than-youtube/