Module 5: Trying out Animoto and other Adventures

What a week it has been! I explored some new tools, I took a stab at using Animoto, and oh I started my new job! It has been a super busy and super crazy week, but I think I am back on track. Or getting there at least! Anyway, I really enjoyed finding different videos and podcasts that fit into my topic. I especially liked listening to the podcasts because I rarely listen to podcasts as I mentioned in the discussion board this week. But it really wasn't that bad and I kind of want to start listening to a podcast series. I'll need to ask around for some recommendations!

As for the multimedia I had to make for this week I decided to use Animoto! I have never used this tool before but after exploring it last week I decided I wanted to test it out. I thought I would really like it but it just wasn't for me. Basically, you have the ability to upload a picture, insert text, change the colors, add in music, and that's it. It doesn't allow you to move around your media freely like I am used to in iMovie and other programs. I wasn't able to add in more than one picture to each slide, which also bummed me out. I wanted to add in little balloons or other pieces of clipart but it was a no go. I'm wondering if this is just with the free version and you have more freedom in the paid version to edit as you please. I also hate that they can put their watermark on your video. I'm trying to let it not bother me, but I'm failing at this. I definitely still think this program would be perfect for elementary school students. You don't want to overwhelm younger students with video editing. I think a program like this that assists you more than iMovie would work well with third graders and fourth graders. 

For my multimedia I used Animoto to create video for my Dad and cousin Tina's 60th birthday. Their surprise birthday party is next Sunday so I might edit this a little more to see if my family wants to use it at the party. It was fun to make and to go through old pictures! 


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