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Chapter 5: Files, iPads and Media: Using Uploads Safely

Edumaps

Orientation

1

What is this pinboard about?

  • In this pinboard, you will learn how to use files and media in Edumaps safely and sensibly.
  • By the end, you will know:
    • which file types are suitable for teaching
    • how to upload files into boxes
    • how to insert images, videos and links
    • what to consider with iPads and Apple files
    • how to provide media clearly for students
  • The goal is not to collect as many files as possible.
  • The goal is to provide materials in a way that students can find and use them quickly.
  • ⚙ start
2

Typical classroom situations

  • Files and media help in many situations:
    • provide a worksheet as PDF
    • link an explainer video
    • show an impulse image at the start
    • use an audio recording for languages
    • upload a presentation for students
    • collect results as photos
    • create a link list on a topic
  • Example:
    A map about “Countries in Europe” contains a map, a worksheet, a short explainer video and a box for student contributions.
3

Basic rule: Less is often better

  • A good teaching map does not contain as much material as possible, but well-selected material.
  • Check every file:
    • Do students really need this file?
    • Is the filename understandable?
    • Is the file up to date?
    • Is it clear what students should do with it?
  • Tip:
    Always provide files together with a short instruction.

Upload files

4

Insert a file into a box

  • How to proceed:
    1. Open a box in edit mode.
    2. Select the upload function.
    3. Upload the file from your device.
    4. Add a short explanation.
    5. Save the box.
  • Example text in the box:
  • “Download the worksheet and complete tasks 1 to 3.”
5

Suitable file formats

  • For teaching, these formats are especially useful:
    • PDF for worksheets
    • JPG or PNG for images
    • MP3 or M4A for audio
    • MP4 for short videos
    • DOCX for editable texts
    • PPTX for presentations
    • XLSX for tables
  • Tip:
    PDF is usually the safest choice when students should only read or print the file.
6

Name files meaningfully

  • Good filenames reduce follow-up questions.
  • Unfavorable:
    • document_new_final2.pdf
    • scan001.pdf
    • worksheet.pdf
  • Better:
    • Europe_Worksheet_CountryProfile.pdf
    • German_Grade7_FairyTales_Features.pdf
    • Math_Fractions_Exercises_1.pdf
  • Tip:
    Use topic, grade and purpose in the filename.
7

Use drag & drop

  • When working on a computer, you can insert many files directly into the box editor by drag & drop.
  • This means that you drag the file from your file manager directly into the appropriate box or upload area.
  • This is especially practical for:
    • PDFs
    • images
    • screenshots
    • individual teaching materials
  • Tip:
    Organize files on your computer first so you can work faster.

Insert media

8

Use images

  • Images are useful for introductions, visualization and student results.
  • Examples:
    • photo of an experiment
    • writing impulse image
    • map in geography
    • diagram in mathematics
    • artwork for analysis
  • Pay attention to:
    • good readability
    • suitable image size
    • image rights
    • whether people are recognizable
9

Insert links

  • Links are useful when material already exists online.
  • Examples:
    • educational media library
    • video platform
    • online exercise
    • article
    • map service
    • quiz page
  • Tip:
    Add a short explanation to every link. Students should know why they should open it.
10

Use videos sensibly

  • Videos can support learning well, but they should not simply fill time.
  • Before inserting a video, ask:
    • What should students pay attention to?
    • How long is the video?
    • Should students answer questions while watching?
    • Is the source reliable?
    • Is the video suitable for the age group?
  • Tip:
    Short videos with a clear task usually work better than long videos without guidance.
11

Record or upload audio

  • Audio is useful in language lessons and for explanations.
  • Examples:
    • listening exercise
    • pronunciation example
    • reading aloud
    • explanation by the teacher
    • student recording
  • Tip:
    Keep audio recordings short and write what students should listen for.

iPad & Apple files

12

Working with iPads

  • Edumaps can also be used on iPads.
  • Useful workflows:
    • take a photo and upload it
    • create a screenshot and submit it
    • open a PDF
    • record audio
    • work with links and media
  • Tip:
    Test the workflow once on an iPad before using it with a whole class.
13

Pages, Numbers and Keynote

  • Apple files such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote are not always easy to open on all devices.
  • Recommendation:
    Export these files before uploading if possible.
  • Useful export formats:
    • Pages → PDF or DOCX
    • Numbers → PDF or XLSX
    • Keynote → PDF or PPTX
  • Tip:
    If students use different devices, PDF is often the safest format.
14

Photos and screenshots from the iPad

  • Photos and screenshots from iPads are practical for submissions.
  • Examples:
    • photo of a worksheet
    • screenshot of an app result
    • photo of an experiment
    • image of a group result
  • Pay attention to:
    • file size
    • visible personal data
    • recognizable people
    • image quality
  • Tip:
    Students should check photos before uploading them.

Practice & mistakes

15

Mini task: Create a material box

  • Create a box with a file or media item.
  • Task:
    1. Choose a teaching topic.
    2. Create a box called “Material”.
    3. Upload a PDF or image.
    4. Add a short instruction.
    5. Add a link if useful.
    6. Save and test the box.
  • Goal:
    Students should immediately understand what the material is and what they should do with it.
16

Avoid typical mistakes

  • Avoid these mistakes:
    • Too many files in one box.
    • Unclear filenames.
    • No instruction for the material.
    • Very large files.
    • Formats that students cannot open.
    • Links not tested.
    • Images with unclear rights or private content.
  • Tip:
    Every file should have a clear purpose.
17

Checklist before use

  • Before using files and media in class, check:
    • Is the material needed?
    • Is the filename clear?
    • Is the format suitable?
    • Is there a short instruction?
    • Do links work?
    • Are image and media rights clarified?
    • Can students open the file on their devices?
    • Is the map still clear?
  • If all points fit, the material is ready for classroom use.