If you're looking for an easy-to-use digital storytelling tool that allows for animation, dialogue, selection of scenery, and other options, look no further than GoAnimate. I suggest everyone try it out this week or next. Here is a quick one that I created to send to my niece, whose birthday is today, Feb. 15. If your students can type even a few short sentences, they can make use of this digital storytelling tool. It can be used to assess student learning in a variety of disciplines or for students to make quick videos reflecting on books they have read or lessons they have learned.
I used the free version to make a 20-second video, but longer ones with more options can also be made with the free version. It is easy to embed the videos in blog posts and to share in other ways. Go ahead, and try out the site, GoAnimate, and post your video in your blog or on your wiki to share with others.
I am thinking that just like Animoto, a GoAnimate should be a required project in the Integrating Technology and Literacy course. What do you think after trying the tool?
Birthday Wish by Judy A on GoAnimate
Animated Presentations - Powered by GoAnimate.
Here's another short one I just made.
Digital StoryTelling by Judy A on GoAnimate
Video Maker - Powered by GoAnimate.
I am actually thinking of upgrading to a pro account, but for now, my purpose was to introduce to you to this tool for making simple digital stories. Although I did not record my own voice, there is an option to do so in the program. If students were working together, they could easily role play a character and take turns doing the narration.
Judy, this is a fabulous resource! I couldn't seem to play the video you posted (it wouldn't load), so I headed on over to GoAnimate and in about 3 minutes, made my first video! Signing up for the FREE account was very simply, and I chose the "Quick Video Maker" for the sake of time. I made a neat video on the presidential debate...was able to pick the setting, characters, and dialogue (in addition to all of the fun extras, like voice persona or emotions!) and voila, I had an animated video! This is most definitely a user-friendly tool that offers step-by-step directions for video design. I can imagine how much the kiddos would love this...next time I'll have to experiment with the "Full Video Maker."
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed these videos! I can see what you mean about their simplicity. I can totally see my students really getting into this and making their own digital stories. I work with ELL kids so I could have them create one in English to get them practicing vocabulary!