YouTube is a popular video sharing website on which users can upload and share videos. However, due to its design and abundance of links it’s very hard to access using just switches. Not to worry though since there is an application called Cooliris which when used in conjunction with Facebook will allow access to this huge library of videos. You don’t just have to use Facebook since the slideshow can be hosted on other social networking sites such as Bebo or Twitter. Or, if you prefer, create a web file (.html) which can be run from your desktop or web space.

A new Quick Guide called 'Using Cooliris to Switch Control YouTube' is now available for download which explains the process of creating your own switch accessible YouTube slideshow!

At a meeting recently there was a question about saving useful Youtube videos. Many local authorities do not allow access to Youtube as some of the content is unsuitable for schools but there are also many videos that would be useful for a teacher to access for use in school. In the Spring 09 New in CALL newsletter there was an article about how to do this. It had been found that the easiest way to do this was to use KickYoutube.

In order to use this the word 'kick' is typed in after the 'www' and before 'youtube' in the adress line eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNdijknRxfU&feature=related becomes http://www.kickyoutube.com/watch/?v=sNdijknRxfU&feature=related. This particular link is to a video about a couple of chemical reactions that help illustrate the reaction of alkaline metals in water. As these experiments may get done only once in class (and with less reactive metals due to safety issues) a Youtube video could be used for illustration, for revision, for pupils absent on the day, for pupils in hospital or at home due to health or social issues.

Once a suitable video has been found and opened in KickYoutube you will now have a series of rectangular buttons across the top of the video with a number of different alternative formats. Probably the most appropriate one to use will be MP4.

To convert the video :

1. check that MP4 is selected
2. click on the green 'Go' button - button then changes to a blue 'Down' button
3. right click on the blue 'down' button
4. select 'Save target as ...' and locate where to save the file eg pen drive if wanting to use on a different computer
5. give file an appropriate name and save
6. the saved file can be played using iTunes or  QuickTime, both free and available for PC and Mac.

Issue 26 of 'New in CALL', the free news, views and events leaflet is now avaiable for download.

Inside this issue:

• Books for All Scotland Database;
• The Royal Mail Book Awards;
• Mainstream Devices for Communication;
• AAC Adult Discovery Day;
• New DynaVox Xpress;
• 2010-2011 CPD Calendar.

... And much more!

Thinking about how raise awareness and enthusiasm for signing?

Did you know that there are lots of terrific little videos on Youtube of signed songs? Just Search on 'BSL signed song'.

Lee, and Duckingquackers are particularly impressive performers, and - my personal favourite - BenGee143

There are some very funny ones, and some that are just plain brilliant. All good! also some stories.

There are signing Apps coming out for iPhone / iPod Touch  but so far these are only ASL. For BSL so far there is only the sign alphabet - but they'll be coming.....

Also - bit behind the times, but I just spotted this clip re creation of a new digital BSL sign dictionary.

Hopefully everyone will now be aware of the cheap deal on BoardMaker software offered through LTS.

Please note that there is a training course on BoardMaker 6 and the new BoardMaker Plus! features in CALL on 25th March, and places are still available. Could be just the thing to get you started! Find out more and book