Animoto.com

When I was in the early grades of elementary and middle school, if a presentation required a visual aid or I needed slides for one reason or another PowerPoint was the program for the job. Now, though, it seems the trend is to find ways to improve and enhance the idea of pages, slides , and effects. Animoto.com visual creator is just such a web tool.  It allows users to add images, music, and text to create an engaging project presentation. A basic version of the tool is free to everyone with an email address, but more advanced versions will cost money.

There are just a few easy steps for using Animoto to create a video presentation. First, set up an account. Then select “create video.” You will be shown several styles for the presentation, but most cost money so most free users will want to skip this step. When you have selected a style or skipped that step you will see the workspace where you can view the elements of your video. Begin by choosing photos. These can be taken from files on your computer, Google images, Facebook profiles, or other digital editing and social networking sites. When these are added they will appear in the workspace and you can edit the order in which they will appear in the video. The site suggests about twelve images for the free thirty second video. Next, select music or background audio. Animoto provides a variety of songs and sounds if you do not have available MP3 files on your computer. This would be a great place for students to record their voices narrating the images by recording in an audacity MP3 file. Finally, finish the product with text and credits. When all of your elements are in the correct place and order in the workspace select “Produce Video”. This may take a few minutes. You will receive a notification email when it is finished.  From here you can view, download, or share your creation on nearly any social networking site or Youtube.

Animoto is a web tool with extensive educational potential. Gone are the days of PowerPoint and posters. Students can now produce quality presentations and videos online for free. The simplicity of use does not take away from the higher level thinking and creating needed for an Animoto project. From Historical events to short stories, Animoto is an easy to use tool for students to show what they have learned and apply it. Enjoy!

This tool was originally reviewed by Ed Tech Central on July 28, 2011