Go+Animate

What is GoAnimate and how does it work? GoAnimate is a website that allows you to create animated stories that you can share with others. Watch the video to learn more! media type="youtube" key="UCOCJKGi6xY" height="315" width="560" @http://goanimate.com/

Strengths: This site is very easy to use. Drag and drop animation features allow for simple navigation. There are choices based on technology skill level.There is the option of quick video maker which allows you to choose background, characters, and voice (or record your own) and the site does the rest of it for you! The full video maker gives you complete control to direct your movie. GoAnimate provides many outlets to share the videos. You receive a url address, as well as the option to share on social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. There is also the embed option that would allow you to place it in a website or blog. Exporting the video to Youtube is featured with Goplus accounts.You can also sign up for an educator account which allows for moderation and privacy features. There is a social platform to add friends to your profile, as well as send and receive messages. There is the reward of badges to encourage users to access all features of the site.

Weaknesses: An email address is required for the free version. You are also limited to ten dialogue comments and one background. You can get more comments and backgrounds by upgrading at a cost. Social networking on the site is provided on the free account. The free version also provides a feed on the profile page, which might provide the opportunity to watch videos that are not appropriate for all students. The cost of the educator account for a class is $99. The basic feature allows for only one background. There are also open forums to chat. This would be a distraction from using the tool for its intended educational purpose.

How can this media tool be used in the classroom? Inquiry- Creating a video allows a student to share their thinking of a concept through a multimedia tool. For example, it can represent a question/ answer dialogue about a particular topic. A student could also share procedure knowledge.

Construction- The program allows you to build your scene and characters from a variety of choices to create your video. There are so many different options that you can use this to share across content areas. The creator constructs an environment and roles to demonstrate meaning.

Communication- Students can share this project with others in class or throughout the web by embedding into a website,blog, or on a social media site. Students are able to receive feedback from an audience through commenting on animations. Video provides an outlet to share opinions and thoughts of the creator through animation.

Expression- There is a wide variety of characters to choose from to represent their thoughts/concepts. The use of animation demonstrates expression of thought. There is also choices of emotion that can be shared in the animation to share opinions.

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