Saving videos off the web

If you find a video that you would like to use in your classroom but cannot view it because of the filters/blocks in the school, or you want to have a copy to use offline, this is the process you can use.

Most videos are stored on YouTube, TeacherTube, Google Video and similar websites as .flv files - Flash video. Videos are converted into .flv when they are uploaded if they aren't in that format already. Some websites allow you to download the files - others disable the download options. If you cannot easily download the video, use the Download Helper Add-In for your Firefox browser. (note - some websites have copyright posted so be sure you check Fair Use policies to comply.)

Firefox Download Helper

Firefox Download Helper - this is a small, easy to install application for the Firefox browser. If you don't have Firefox installed yet, download and install from here. Then download and install the Download Helper. It will put a special icon on your Firefox toolbar that comes alive when you're on a webpage with video. Click on it and it'll download the video to the storage directory that is listed in preferences in the Tools --> Download Helper --> Preferences.

Now that you have the file downloaded to your computer, you can either play the .flv file as is, or you can convert it to another file type for other uses. If you want to take the file to another computer to play it or use it, make sure you have the appropriate software on that computer to play the file type.

FLV File Player

There is a simple, free flv player available for download from the TeacherTube site download exe. It's an exe download so it'll just open to play videos. You can start the player and then open the .flv video file or you can configure your computer to use the player to open the .flv files each time you click on them.

Convert File Online

There is a website that will convert a file of one format to a file of another format. You can upload the .flv file and have it convert it to another file type. You upload the video file and provide a valid email address. It takes time for the file to get converted and they will send you a link to the converted file when it is ready. For example, you can convert a .flv to a .avi so you can edit it in MS Moviemaker. The website that will do this is called Zamzar.com and is currently (July 2007) in beta. Hopefully it'll stay free for education.