Inquiry Project Proposal

As I sit here at my computer and contemplate the magnitude of the task in front of me I become quiet overwhelmed with the notion that I am about to embark on a journey into the unknown territory of the World Wide Web. Prior to EDES 501 I had considered myself quite adept at using technology; however I now realize my knowledge and use of the tools available on the Web are very limited.
As a teacher I have increasingly incorporated changing technologies into my daily routine over the past 16 years. From searching online lesson plans to creating PowerPoint slideshows my students have slowly but surely started to see the use of technology benefit their learning. I now use an online attendance and grading system and have begun to promote creating and exploring of online resources by students.
Personally I have experimented with the bare bones of social networking sites, emails and web searches. I am quiet good at keeping my friends and family up to date on Facebook, I frequently send emails, find recipes on line and most recently fell in love with Shoedazzle.com, however, I do not follow blogs nor have I learned to Tweet!
My new role as teacher librarian has propelled my technology learning to a new level. With my acceptance to the TLDL program I am now beginning to explore the Web with meaning and purpose. Online learning has pushed me out of my novice technology comfort zone into a world where thoughtful and purposeful creations with digital tools abound. So, although the notion of a Web 2.0 inquiry project is daunting to say the least, I must admit I am a little excited to embark on this adventure. So grab a coffee, pull up a chair and join me on my journey from Summerside PEI into the world of Web 2.0 tools.

Animoto in Action

As any traveler knows the best laid travel plans do not always come to fruition.  Case in point, this past weeks Web 2.0 destination was “blogging” and although I did make a pit stop there most of the week was spent playing at the “Animoto” website. 

Animoto is a free digital storytelling website that allows the creator to combine digital content with narration.  It is a fun and easy way to create and share your professional quality videos. 

Setting up an Animoto account is easy, just go to Animoto and register for a free account.  This free account will allow you to make as many 30 second videos as you would like.  The free account allows for approximately 12 – 15 photos. This is not a lot but it gives the consumer the opportunity to test drive the product before selecting a more advanced option.  Once uploaded photos can be manipulated in the slide sorter and even “spotlighted” if so desired. (Brisco, 2008) After three short videos I was hooked and paid the $30 annual free for unlimited 10 minute videos.

As a personal Web 2.0 tool, Animoto has many attractive features.  It enables the creator to incorporated text with still photos and video clips; creating a personalized high quality video.  Animoto is easy to manipulate and all processing, including editing, is done behind the scenes by the Animoto programmers.  My nine year old created a short video using a collection of photos from a recent trip to Bermuda.  She was able to upload the still pictures and select her own music from the library within a matter of minutes.

Bermuda 2011






Animoto is a Web 2.0 tool that can also be utilized by educators.  Educators can sign up for Animoto for Education to provide student access to this resource.  To set up an Animoto for Education account, go to http://animoto.com/education/apply.  Make sure to register your free account with Animoto first.  Animoto will email a confirmation and student code once you have been approved. Your students are then able to access free picture and video sites for uploading into their video creations.  This feature prevents any copy right infringements.  Music added by students may be either their own or selected from a variety of genres provided by Animoto or sites that allow Creative Commons use of music. Students can customize their playback in the final step of creation and then sit back and wait (approximately five minutes) while Animoto renders their video masterpiece.  When completed the video may be viewed, downloaded or uploaded to the Web.

   Many librarians are choosing 21^st Century technologies to share resources with students and teachers, and after trying Animoto I can understand why.  Rather than the traditional PowerPoint presentation an Animoto creation presents itself like an MTV video, which is much more appealing to middle and high school students.  Librarians can use Animoto to introduce concepts, create excitement for new ideas, or even promote books all with a musical element.  “As one of the more eye-catching and easy-to-use programs available in this remixed 2.0 world, this is a definite must-have, must-share tool for every school librarian’s toolkit. (Brisco, 2009). The following is a “book talk” created using Animoto to promote, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which can be found in our school library.

Hunger Games

Animoto is a powerful tool which I will continue to “play with”. Stay tuned for more on my Animoto adventures.

Readings:

Brisco, S. (2009). School Library Journal's 10 Best Digital Resources for 2009. School Library Journal, 55(6), 36-37. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Brisco, S. (2008). ANIMOTO. School Library Journal, 54(7), 64. Retrieved from EBSCOhost

Brisco, S. (2009). A 2.0 TOOLKIT. School Library Journal, 55(8), 61-62. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Bryne, R. (2010). Tools for Young Auteurs. School Library Journal, 56(11), 16. Retrieved from EBSCOhost