Thing 10-Animation Tools

Animation tools can be used by teachers as an engaging platform for delivering new information and sharing classroom strategies for writing with parents,  or by students to present knowledge and mastery of skills.  In the past, I have used PowToons to create an introduction to new units, and for students to present research or a "how to" writing assignment.  I have found PowToons to be one of the most effective ways to encourage reluctant writers, especially boy writers, to become excited about the writing process.

Multi sensory Grammar for Parents

For this particular class assignment, I chose to play with Voki.  It was such an easy program to learn, and I had a lot of fun designing my avatar.  I spent this week deploying one to one devices on 2 elementary campuses, and we decided to use this program to review digital citizenship.  Each student created their own avatar and had to state one of the core values associated with our district digital citizenship curriculum.  They then participated in a mingling activity to share their statements.  Digital Citizenship had never been more fun!  Although students don't need an account to create a Voki, teachers can sign up for a free, basic account, allowing Voki's to be saved and shared.  With an account, teachers could easily use this tool to have students ticket out of class.  A tool this easy deserves a chance to enhance the learning environment in any class.

My Voki

The bottom line, animation tools and kids are a great combination!