Using Animation to teach
narrative writing.
Ian Bishop
Rel. ICT Consultant
Sydney Region
Today
• 9:00 – 10:30
Introduction to Animation
Storyboarding
• 10:30 – 11:00
• 11:00 – 12:30
Morning Tea.
SAM Animation
Installation
Production
Adding Audio and Titles
• 12:30 – 1:15
• 1:15 – 2:45
• 2:30
Lunch
Animation Production
Presentations and Evaluation
• Wallace and Gromit
Literacy skills from creating an animation
Writing Skills
NAPLAN Writing Criteria
• understand the sense of audience and the engagement of
a reader as they write
• understand and use text features
• organise texts in a meaningful way using a variety of
sentence structures, appropriate sequencing and text
connectives to control the text
• use typical grammar features of writing
• use a range of language choices including literary devices
such as similes, metaphors and personification
• spell and punctuate
STAGE 1- Talking and Listening ■
Reading ■ Writing
• Students write simple literary and factual texts
on familiar topics for known readers by
planning and reviewing their writing. They
write using basic grammatical features and
conventions of punctuation, showing
awareness of different purposes, audiences
and subject matter.
Quotes from English Curriculum 7-10
• In their study of English, students are able to apply their existing
knowledge of word processing, multimedia, ways of formatting and
presenting texts, simulation software, graphics and electronic
communication and further develop their skills, knowledge and
understanding of these technologies. They learn about the ethics of
information communication through technology.
• At Stage 4, students use specified tools and functions of word processing
for composing. They learn to import images and graphics into folders and
documents. In formatting documents they learn to desktop publish using
graphics in a multimedia presentation or webpage, evaluating appropriate
layout and design principles for a specific audience.
• At Stage 5, students use more advanced specified tools and functions of
word processing for composing. They learn to create, import and
manipulate graphics. They learn about advanced forms of digital
communication such as video conferencing.
Quotes from English Curriculum 7-10
• The syllabus requires students to develop
skills in composing and responding to texts
created in and through different information
and communication technologies and to
understand the effects of the technology on
meaning. It develops the skills, knowledge and
understanding for students to acquire,
process, question, challenge, reformulate and
evaluate information in texts from a wide
variety of sources.
Why use Animation
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An effective learning tool for students
Research skills
Writing skills
Listening skills
Speaking skills
Organisational skills
Technology skills
Presentation skills
Interview skills
Interpersonal skills
Why Animation
• Because we teach 21st Century Students who find technology
engaging.
• By recognizing and understanding learning styles, you can use
techniques better suited to your students. This improves the speed
and quality of their learning.
Which learning style are you?
Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial
understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinaesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of
touch.
Logical (mathematical). You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal). You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal). You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Steps for Creating an animation
• Planning - very critical! Story boards, Story
Map, Script Writing. The teacher can see the
student's process and progress
Steps for Creating an animation
• Production - use the software to put it all
together.
• This will differ from Stage to Stage
Steps for Creating an animation
• Presentation - allows the students to create
projects for an authentic audience. Add it to a
blog, use it as an assembly item or start your
own Film Festival.
Steps for Creating an animation
• Assessment - students use rubrics to
determine - what does it mean to have a good
project.
• Rubistar is an excellent resource to develop
rubrics for free (must register)
How to animate!
•
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tidN8Yj56I
SAM Animation
• Video – What is SAM Animation
http://www.samanimation.com/
Thirsty Teddy
http://www.samanimation.com/index.php?opti
on=com_seyret&Itemid=6&task=videodirectli
nk&id=575
SAM Animation - What is It?
• SAM Animation software enables young
people to easily create stop-action
movies that express their ideas and
understanding of the world around
them.
• The technology is accessible and
engaging, and has multiple applications
for both primary school and high school.
SAM Animation – Why Use It?
• The process of creating stop-animation is
hands-on, and promotes problem-solving and
a high level of creativity across multiple
content areas and learning styles.
• The emphasis is on the process rather than
the final product and on discovery through
experimentation.
SAM Animation – Ease of Use
• It is a simple interface that makes for
easy adoption and can be used
successfully at all grade levels.
• Very little content knowledge is required,
though basic computer knowledge is
helpful.
• Teachers
should
download
and
experiment with SAM animation first.
SAM Animation – User Options
• Using SAM Animation, you can manipulate
props - such as construction paper cut-outs,
LEGO bricks, or figures - in front of the
webcam, or use white boards with markers.
• The software enables users to capture
images and animate physical material via
stop-motion photography, accomplished
through simple clicks of a mouse.
• Changes can be made immediately by
deleting frames and allowing the user to
rework a sequence.
SAM Animation – What do you need?
• Mac OSX or Windows XP
• Webcam
• Creativity
Examples
http://www.teachani
mation.org/stopmotio
nmenu.html
Drawn Animation
• http://www.teachanimation.org/jack.html
Cut Paper
• http://www.teachanimation.org/cutpaper3.ht
ml
3D
• http://www.teachanimation.org/attack.html
Important Point
• Project
• Movie
Saving your work
PROJECT:
Allows further editing of your video
• Save animation project
• Make sure you know location of videos
• Can add music, audio (voice), images,
MOVIE:
Export - Renders video as a final
project
No further editing (possible, but
harder)
Creates a QuickTime file;
Storyboard
A storyboard visually tells the story of an animation
panel by panel, kind of like a comic book.
A storyboard should convey some of the following
information:
• What characters are in the frame, and how are
they moving?
• What are the characters saying to each other, if
anything?
• Where the "camera" is in the scene? Close or far
away? Has the camera moved?
Storyboard
Storyboard
Storyboard
Tips for students.
• Your drawings don't have to be fancy!
• You want to spend just a few minutes drawing
each frame.
• Use basic shapes, stick figures, and simple
backgrounds.
Music and Sound effects
• Sounds http://simplythebest.net/sounds/
• Free Music http://freeplaymusic.com/
Adding Power Point Slides for Titles
and Credits
TIP: You can add a Power Point single slide to
your animation. (You will need to duplicate
the slide in SAM animation to make it
appear to stay.)
Create a page in PowerPoint
then Save As - JPEG Format!
• Storyboarding
http://www.accessart.org.uk/drawingtogether/index.html
•
http://learninginmaineresources.wikispaces.com/Storyboards
•
• Animations made by kids
http://www.acmi.net.au/video_kids.htm
•
http://www.amazingkids.org/anicon00_12-14.htm#12-14
• Animation lessons
http://www.amazingkids.org/anilessons.html#lessons
•
• Lego films
http://www.brickfilms.com/
• Free and easy animation site http://fluxtime.com/animate.php