All teachers can probably relate. I appreciate that an educator is using technology to educate AND express his/her feelings. Technology integration is not just a chore, it can be an outlet, as well.
Another one of my favorites:
Joe Huber offers a comparison of a few different animation creators for the classroom, Xtranormal included. The completely web-based applications do not require extra software download and step-by-step instructions and helpful templates are included.
Many teachers fear that integrating new technologies will add too much to their already limited preparation time. With professional development, hopefully more teachers can see areas where technology can alleviate time constraints, instead of aggravating them.
These animation creator applications can be utilized by students for projects. An autism center in the Houston area is using Xtranormal to allow students to create presentations on social norms such as "Making New Friends" (Mallory, 2011).
What do you think about all the possible uses for these animation creators in education?
- Presenting new lesson content
- Student project presentations
- Professional development
- Staff communication
Huber, J. (2011, September 27). Animation creators for the classroom. Retrieved from http://educatorstudio.com/articles/animation-creators-classroom
Mallory, B. (2011, October 8). Interview by R.M. [Personal Interview]. Xtranormal and autism.
I recently got to use Xtranormal and was amazed to how easy it to use and how powerful it can be. As noted by Prensky, digital natives will spend over 10,000 hours playing videogames and talking on digital phones, and over 20,000 hours watching TV, all before they go to college! With this information there is no doubt that digital students want animation as part of their learning.
ReplyDeleteI think animation of this type can be engaging to present a new lesson or even better to have students present their ideas. Many times we can relay the same message, but if it's done differently like with the use of this application it can change the outcome. I am not sure though about the staff communication. There is no way I want a teacher to ask me or give me some sort of feedback using an animation to communicate those. There are instances where communication needs to be face to face.
Prensky, M. (2001). Do they really think differently? On the Horizon, 9. Retrieved fromhttp://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part2.pdf
Wow! I have never heard about his program. This is very interesting. It reminds me of Blabberize. Blabberize is a very similar to Xtranormal. There are so many ways that you can use these types of programs. I have used it to launch a lesson. I actually used it today! I think it can really be a useful tool, for people who are brave enough to try it. I think that the main reason people don't use programs like these is because they are fearful that they won't figure out how to use them. Well, all it takes is some trying. What a great suggestion. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIf you would like to try Blabberize, go to Blabberize.com.
I can see many uses for using Xtranormal in a classroom. One of the better classes that I could see using it would be in a English class. Instead of making your students write out an essay about the story they read you could have them use Xtranormal to describe what they read using the characters. This not only gets them thinking of the story that they just read, but it makes them critically think how to incorporate the story through the use of the Xtranormal characters.
ReplyDeleteYou could also give it to students who do not have a good grasp of speaking English, but can write it fairly well. Giving a presentation is intimidating, but imagine doing it when you do not have a firm grasp of the language. Since the student can prepare what they want to say in advance, they have time to make sure they are saying everything correctly (Tolbert, 2010).
References
Tolbert, J. (2010, June 29). Using xtranormal in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5530518/using_xtranormal_in_the_classroom.html
I actually posted a comment on this a few weeks ago but for some reason it didn't show up. :-(
ReplyDeleteI use xtranormal in my online class when students are learning argumentation. It's a two-part lesson. First, they have to create a debate in xtranormal in which the characters use different forms of argumentation to support their side. Then, the students watch each other's videos and have to identify the argumentation styles used and determine who "won" the debate.
I've done it for two years now and the students really get into it. They love being able to put their knowledge of what we're learning intoo practice in a fun way, and they like that they can interact with one another. Their debates are always interesting to watch because they definiteley have strong opinions on topics happening in the world around them. :-)