What it is: This freebie can't be simpler. Upload images, select music, and Bingo! You've got an MTV-style video! Click Remix to get a different version. Wow! You can post or embed videos on your class web site, or download for in-class presentations. Suggested grade levels - 3-12.
How to use: Animoto can be used in just about any curriculum area - a daily weather report, steps in solving a Math problem, an interesting way to present a biography, a book report, or a digital story, an All About Me presentation at the beginning of the year, or What I Did Last Summer. As a teacher, try creating a daily Animoto to use as a 'teaser' at the beginning of the day to show what students can look forward to learning. Because Animoto is web-based, you and your students could start a video at school and continue working on them at home.
Tip 1: Children under 13 can't sign up for their own account. However, with Animoto for Education, you can sign up your students using dummy email accounts that you can learn about here. Animoto is private to your school - no one can come across student videos or email your students.
Tip 2: Did you know you could upload images of PowerPoint slides? When your slideshow is completed, click on File > Save As and change the file type from .ppt to .jpg. Sweet!
Find the Alpaca Blabber here.
Beware! Some of the projects posted at both of these sites are not in 'good taste'. Limit student access, but feel free to use yourself.
