Animoto
URL
htttp://animoto.com
Animoto is a free (registration required) site that creates short
(30 seconds for free*) high quality video clips uploaded or selected
images and music. The user chooses the sequence of images. adds
any desired text, selects images to highlight, and Animoto puts it
Description
all together with professional style transitions.
*Educators can also apply for a free unlimited account for use in
the classroom at http://animoto.com/education (removes account
restrictions found in the normal free account).
Account Types

Free: 30 sec. limit

Education: http://animoto.com/education

Paid: $30-$500 a year
1.
Go to http://animoto.com,
2. Click the Get Started button, and fill out the form.
Process
3. To create an Animoto, upload images, select or upload audio
and let the site process your creation.
4. Once finished you will be able to view and share your new
video.
Suggested Inquiry Activities
Can be used to set up an analyzation activity in place that students can review as a
warm up to a larger inquiry activity or to help them answer essential questions.
Can be used as an end assessment / product to look for obtained benchmarks.
Place a series of primary sources in Animoto for students to watch and ask the
students how the primary sources are connected to the content they are learning, or
the topic at hand.
Place a series of primary sources in a shared folder and have students place them in
timeline order and JUSTIFY why in their Animoto presentation.
What Teachers Like About Animoto

Forces students to be concise in their wording and project overall

Provides and automatic rendering system for younger students

Focuses on the higher level thinking rather than the production part of the
tool

Helps students to understand the concept of a storyboard

The tool is easy to use and a classroom application for free (One login can be
used by a whole class) is available with some lead time

You can make a class account in this application which is very worthwhile.

Forces students to summarize and focus on main ideas which makes them
look for larger themes and applications
WHAT TO DO WITH IT?
You can create videos of concepts from math functions to history lessons to play in
the classroom. Many times students relate more to something visual rather than to
audio alone.
Use Animoto as a free replacement for PowerPoint to create videos on biographies,
field trips with your students, digital storytelling, science projects, commercial or
public service announcement, simulated field trips, photo brochure of country, etc.
You can share your videos via email, on a blog or website, export to YouTube or
TeacherTube, or download to your computer for use in presentations.
Standards for the 21st Century Learner - from the AASL Standards for the 21st Century
Learner in Action

2.1.2 - Organize knowledge so that it is useful

2.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to
Organizing and
Managing
analyze and organize information

3.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to
organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways
that others can view, use and assess
Media

2.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to
organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways
Sharing
that others can view, use and assess

3.3.4 - Create products that apply to authentic, real-world
context

4.1.8 - Use creative and artistic formats to express
personal learning
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Standards
Develop proficiency with the tools of technology
Design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes
Create multimedia texts
Attend to ethical responsibilities required by these complex environments
Primary Sources Example
http://animoto.com/play/oTlqcfR0OYyW50oLblbEfw
1st Person RAFT completed by students using primary sources from the Visualizing
Cultures website as part of World Geography class.
Getting Started
60 Second How to Use Animoto
Teacher Tips for Using the Tool

Use control F to search for student work-- it is not always easy to find what you are
looking for with large amounts of information/many Animoto files.

Use a common denominator labeling tool (how you save your students products) to make
things easier to find. (IE: Use part of the same save name.)

Definitely worth making a classroom login for ease in accessing the tool.
Alternatives
Domo
Animation software particularly good for kiddos
From Photppeach.com:
“Our idea is to help you tell better stories online using photos.
You can create a rich slideshow in seconds to engage your friends
or family in a natural way. This is done by allowing two-way
commenting right at each photo in the show and automatically
pausing so you have time to express yourself before continuing.
Photopeach
We also support zooming comments and music so you can elaborate
on your story further.
You have heard again and again: “A picture is worth a thousand
words”, but what if you could add a thousand words to your photos,
and some music? We think the whole slideshow is greater than the
sum of the photos, words, and music.”
From Smilebox.com:
"Smilebox is a photo service that lets you quickly turn life’s
moments into digital creations you can share with others or save
for yourself. Choose from hundreds of ecard, scrapbooking, and
Smilebox
slideshow designs for every occasion. New designs are released
every week. Personalize and share your Smilebox creation for free,
or select premium options for print, DVD burning, expanded music
choices, and no advertisements."
Upload photos from your computer or photo URL. After uploading
Photoshow
photos, you can customize your music, captions, transition styles,
and more.