Since the topic of Ch. 8 in Brain Rules was sensory integration, I wanted to be able to take notes in a form that would allow me to engage multiple senses. I decided a video might work because I could incorporate visuals and sound, so I decided to try Animoto. This program allows you to create online videos that integrate text, images, or short video clips on a design template. Essentially, it allows you to create slick slide shows. The free version only allows you to make 30 second videos. You need to upgrade to a paid version to get longer videos. When working with this program, I realized just how short 30 seconds is. I had to create 3 videos to create and overview of the chapter. The program allows you to integrate content from social media, upload content from your computer, or use their stock images, videos or songs. The stock content was so generic; I didn't really see anything that would be helpful, so I ended up downloading songs from Google Images and then uploading them into the program--it would have been much more convenient if I could have imported images from a URL.
I did use music from the program. Many of the song choices had lyrics, so I used a song that was just instrumental for all three videos so the lyrics wouldn't distract from my notes because they weren't related. I had wanted to create a video because I could create a multimedia presentation; however, when thinking about it, the music did not support the content of the videos. In past note taking challenges, I've used music where the lyrics actually connected to the message of the presentation. Additionally programs like Prezi allow you to include voice over.
The program was easy to use, but you are really limited with the free version. Not only do you have only 30 seconds, you can only include so many characters of text on a slide. The program also doesn't allow you any control other than choosing a template how you move from slide to slide.
In terms of how I imagine this program could be used, it sounds like a program that could be used to create an audio postcard for a project. I think other programs would be better served for presentations designed to present informational content.
Brain Rules Ch 8- Part 2
Brain Rules Ch 8-Part 3
This week I reviewed Mike's use of PowToons and Heather’s use of Realtime Board.
Like Animoto, PowToons allows you to create videos. Viewing Mike's video, however, made clear some of the distinct differences of these programs. For one, in PowToons you have more time to work with than 30 seconds. Also, Mike's video created a virtual classroom complete with blackboard and instructor, creating the expectation that this video is meant to present content to be learned, as opposed to the interface of Animoto which seems to be designed more to accommodate slide shows of images. I appreciated Mike's comment about the lack of an "undo" button because it is a small detail that makes a big difference on the usability of the program. A similarity, though, between both video production programs that I think is worth noticing, particularly in light of the content of Ch. 8, is that while these programs allow you to include music, I wonder about how this actually impacts the presentation, since the music is pretty generic. This isn’t a critique on Mike’s video; I’m just trying to think through whether using aural stimulation in any form helps to reinforce learning, or if the sound/music needs to relate to the content.
I’m using Realtime Board actually right now in another grad class for a classwork project, so I can attest to how easy it to collaborate with it, but I agree with Heather’s conclusion that it isn’t that intuitive to use. I actually had no idea that you could turn it into a presentation, so that was really cool to see. In terms of Heather’s question about the comparison to Prezi, I think they both have a learning curve, but it seems like Realtime Board doesn’t impose structure the way Prezi does with templates.
Discussion of "Kim BR8-Animoto"
Comment on Kim BR8-Animoto (Heather)
This looks like a cool tool and you did a great job with the video! I can see how the 30 second cap would be a limiting factor, but you easily overcame that by making several videos. I think the 30 seconds would be a great way to do attention-getters, or to sprinkle them throughout a lesson. In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, if a 50 minute lecture had 3 of these sprinkled throughout, it would be a really great way to try to re-engage distracted students!Posted on 19 October 2014, 9:16 am by Heather Laslie | Permalink
Kim's BR8 and Animoto
I was really excited to review your post since I'm considering Animoto for my BR chapter this week. I must admit, creating a video is a bit intimidating to me -- all the more reason to try it! Your decisions outlined in your post were really useful, and your choices made on how to best compartmentalize the video coverage worked very well. I've tried one other video maker (can't recall the name -- has a little sun icon in the corner), and I recall feeling overly rushed, knowing I had less than 5 minutes to talk. But 30 seconds! Loved your solution to this limitation.Posted on 24 October 2014, 11:37 am by Amy Locklear | Permalink
Kevin's comments on Kim's Animoto
Kim,I like all the features that "Animoto" has. Like some of the other's I'm a bit intimidated to create a video. Also, I don't believe 30 seconds is long enough. However, that might work for my 9th grade classes. This way, the students can learn to condense and presentations won't take up the whole class.If I don't try it thiis week, I'm sure I will by the end of the semester.
Posted on 26 October 2014, 3:26 am by Kevin M. Norris | Permalink
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