Never worry about Internet connections again when your lesson includes streaming a video! Instead use KeepVid, a nifty online tool that allows users to download any video from YouTube or similar websites so it can be saved to a PC. And it works without installing additional software. How cool is that!

Here’s how it works: Simply copy and paste a video URL to the KeepVid search box and click the download button. When the warning box appears on your screen, select “Run” to continue. (This action is safe and will not install software.) A list of download links will then appear. Select the format of your choice—mp4 is typically the standard—and let KeepVid do the rest!

Once the download is complete, the video can be played with whatever player you prefer to use.

Another cool feature of KeepVid is that in addition to the copy and paste method, this utility also allows users to search for videos on YouTube. Just enter the keyword desired (i.e. ditigal tools for the 21st Century classroom) and KeepVid will not only conduct a search for you, but it will display results as well. Selecting a video from the list will start the same process as previously described.

What’s more is that KeepVid also offers a bookmarklet that can be installed on the browser of your choice. This gadget acts as a shortcut in which the steps mentioned above can be completely avoided. In other words, once a video is located on YouTube or elsewhere, the user simply clicks the bookmarklet and voila! KeepVid works its magic!

Just as an FYI: Be sure to follow Fair Use and copyright guidelines when downloading videos from the Internet. If you need more information regarding the regulations associated with intellectual property, then be sure to visit my Know Your Copy-Rights post.

Classroom Connection:

Add KeepVid to your teacher toolbox to save online videos for classroom use—especially if your district blocks sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Google, etc.

On a side note, KeepVid has really come in handy during my trip to Salvatierra, Mexico where I am currently teaching English and creating a video about the prepa/high school. Unfortunately there is limited Internet access in the buildings, so KeepVid has been a real lifesaver!