Give Animoto a try

Wow!  I signed in with FB, then it created a video for me from photos.  I was so impressed I almost left it as is.  However I had to try to edit and create my own.  Grabbed pics from my FB gallery and added some captions, music, style and ... poof it was done.  This could be for anything, from intros to topics, assignments from students, or a Biz Plan video if you want to start a business.  So I think I will do that for my project.  Give Animoto a try.

Animoto is useful

I can see a lot of things to do with Animoto. It's so easy to put videos together that I might have my students create them as part of assignments, perhaps as an alternative to PowerPoint. I use unusual pictures as prompts for writing and am considering putting together a video of the ones I've used at the end of the school year. Perhaps I'll have them create summaries with animoto as well. I'm definitely going to use this!
I don't see any real downside. It seems that this tool is only limited by one's imagination!

Using Animoto

Okay, I just had fun with this one. I wanted to do a video about our two favorite vacation spots, but 30 seconds is not enough. So I did two videos, one about the mountains and one about Mexico. Only problem I had was that I do not do Facebook, so I had to copy and save the links to be able to share them. Applications I have thought of so far are for family and friends. I can think of some ways to use this in a class, but I think it would require upgrading.

Animoto - a favorite

This project has been my favorite so far. I had lots of fun working with it. I uploaded all the pictures and that make it quicker too. I had a little issue when choosing the music but once I figured it out it worked well. This project also brought back memories. I will be brainstorming on how I can use Animoto with my students. By far the best enjoyable project!

Animoto is a favorite

So far, this is my favorite site.  This is a super creative way to share memories.  I might have to upgrade so I have the option to do more.  I found very user friendly with great possibilities.

Animoto in class

I loved working with this tool and can absolutely see using it in class.  Not only would I use it to introduce topics, review vocabulary or grammar, and generate discussion, I would have my advanced students prepare their own videos and share with the class.  It could be very fun for them to create something like this and then discuss it with a partner or present to the class.
I had no issues working with this Site.  Once I realized I can upload more than one picture at a time-it made my life a lot easier.  I like the option to upload your own music.  This can be something very personalized and having something that really reflects you and your ideas can be very special for the students.  I'm wondering can you slow down the video, or maybe I would just pause it at key parts to stop and talk about it. 
One game I would use is to watch the pictures as they flow, and then write down all the words or phrases that come to your mind.  If you don't know it in English, write it down in your own language and we will look it up and learn it!  Next, listen to the music-how does it relate to the words you wrote? How does it relate to the pictures?  I can see this generating some interesting discussion! I kind of want to go use this right now!

Animoto fun

Directions are easy to follow all the way through production. I found it useful to create a separate folder on the desktop first, then copied and pasted photos into it so that all were ready to go in advance. The tricky part for me was getting the link into the dropbox, lol. I work with ESL students, and could easily incorporate this slideshow format into theme-based units using photos taken of familiar people, place, and things on campus and around town. Great for many things from warm-up activities to reviews of concepts, vocabulary, and key points--even a group project.