Introduction
By Amy Hanson ([email protected])
Animoto is a video creation service that allows users to create products incorporating photos, video clips, music, and text, either at their computer or on their mobile device. Content may be provided by the user, or the user can use images, music and videos provided on the website (https://animoto.com). Animoto automatically paces each video according to the selected music (although this feature can be manually adjusted). Completed videos may be viewed online, shared via email, on a blog/website, exported to YouTube or downloaded and viewed offline.
A special version is available for educators to use in the classroom (https://animoto.com/pro/education). This Plus version is free and includes unlimited 20 minute videos using up to 600 photos/video clips. Once a teacher applies, a code is sent that allows accounts to be set up for up to 50 students. To do this, a gmail account must be used. Animoto uses this email to link the teacher with students accounts via gmail alias email addresses. Each student alias email is a variation of the original teacher's gmail. it follows the template of [email protected]. Any gmail addresses with the '+' are routed to the 'master' email ([email protected]). Gmail ignores any letters and numbers after the plus sign, thereby sending all emails to the one account (ie notifications when videos are complete, password reset notifications), while the Animoto system thinks each is a unique email. Students are then able to sign-up using the alias email and redeem the promo code which links the account to the teacher. Animoto stresses that students are not to provide any personal identifying information when signing up. Students use the alias emails to log into their Animoto accounts.
Once the registration process is complete, users simply login and click on the 'create' button. The system walks the user through the process of choosing a style, and then adding images and music simply by clicking and dragging. Videos can be previewed throughout the creation process and when complete, produced by a click and shared with another click. Overall, a very self-explanatory tool, but if help is needed, Animoto also has an easy to access FAQ and Blog links.
Animoto is a video creation service that allows users to create products incorporating photos, video clips, music, and text, either at their computer or on their mobile device. Content may be provided by the user, or the user can use images, music and videos provided on the website (https://animoto.com). Animoto automatically paces each video according to the selected music (although this feature can be manually adjusted). Completed videos may be viewed online, shared via email, on a blog/website, exported to YouTube or downloaded and viewed offline.
A special version is available for educators to use in the classroom (https://animoto.com/pro/education). This Plus version is free and includes unlimited 20 minute videos using up to 600 photos/video clips. Once a teacher applies, a code is sent that allows accounts to be set up for up to 50 students. To do this, a gmail account must be used. Animoto uses this email to link the teacher with students accounts via gmail alias email addresses. Each student alias email is a variation of the original teacher's gmail. it follows the template of [email protected]. Any gmail addresses with the '+' are routed to the 'master' email ([email protected]). Gmail ignores any letters and numbers after the plus sign, thereby sending all emails to the one account (ie notifications when videos are complete, password reset notifications), while the Animoto system thinks each is a unique email. Students are then able to sign-up using the alias email and redeem the promo code which links the account to the teacher. Animoto stresses that students are not to provide any personal identifying information when signing up. Students use the alias emails to log into their Animoto accounts.
Once the registration process is complete, users simply login and click on the 'create' button. The system walks the user through the process of choosing a style, and then adding images and music simply by clicking and dragging. Videos can be previewed throughout the creation process and when complete, produced by a click and shared with another click. Overall, a very self-explanatory tool, but if help is needed, Animoto also has an easy to access FAQ and Blog links.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Although Animoto is an easy application to use, there are weaknesses and challenges. On the technical end, the user may find the following frustrating:
- Although videos of up to 20 minutes can be created, the text portion on each slide is limited to a specific number of characters (40 words for titles, 50 words for the subtitle). This may be frustrating for some trying to convey an idea using words, however, the concept of brevity can be applied. Students can also use other voice-over apps (ie audacity) to record their own voice and upload that in place of the music.
- Text cannot be overlaid on pictures or videos that are inserted. Each is considered its own slide and remains separate.
- More than one song cannot be used in the same Animoto.
- Fees are charged for features beyond the 'Plus' account.
Examples of application in an online classroom
Animoto is a Web 2.0 tool that can be tailored for any style classroom. Animoto is a tool that can have a variety of applications, across the content areas. it is an easy upgrade from PowerPoints. Students can use it to introduce themselves, for visual literacy projects, demonstrations and research reports.
The following links provide examples of how this tool can be applied:
The following links provide examples of how this tool can be applied:
Learning objective
After gathering information via internet and other paper sources on the animal of choice, the 2nd grade student will be able to classify the animal, present what the animal looks like, its size and weight, what it eats, where is lives, and its predators with 100% accuracy.
Assessment example: Snakes
Assessment example: Snakes