zamzar.

zamzar is an online file conversion application. its name, zamzar, is a reference to kafka's metamorphosis. this is because zamzar morphs files from one type to another. with this tool, users have the option of converting files housed on their computers or they can download videos (from youtube, for example) & save them to their hard drives. 

there are two major uses for zamzar in the classroom. teachers frequently run into unreadable files submitted by students. not every student uses the same word processing software at home, which can cause headaches when students are asked to digitally submit assignments. zamzar will convert pretty much any document format into a file that is readable for your computer. another problem many teachers face is blocked video sites. youtube, for example, is blocked in many schools, but it provides many videos that could be useful in the classroom. with zamzar, simply enter the video's url, select a file type, & zamzar will email the video to the address provided. the process to convert files is simple, quick, & free. there are many teachers that use this method to bypass a district block of youtube or other video broadcasting sites.

final verdict.
zamzar makes file conversion simple. there is no software to download, no account setup required, & no cost. there are other sites that offer similar services, but zamzar's user interface is by far the easiest to use. through personal experience, there are sometimes inexplicable errors during conversion. this can be particularly frustrating when working with a deadline. a more reliable zamzar would earn it a higher review grade. payed accounts are available for faster conversion & the conversion of larger files. give zamzar a try, it's the easiest solution to the problem of file conversion.