http://wideo.co/
What is it?
Wideo is a free online tool that lets you create animated online videos. Whoa?! Videos? Sounds complicated! Actually, this tool makes it easy to create online videos. You can create a video from scratch using a blank canvas or you can use on of their pre-made templates and then adapt and change it for your needs.
So how does it work?
To start using wideo, you do need an e-mail address. If you already have a google g-mail account you can use that to create your account without entering any new data. After you create an account on wideo, you will get a choice of which canvas you want. You can do a blank one or use one of the templates available.
Want to see an example of a student created wideo? Of course, you do! Click on the link to see a sample of a student created video:
http://www.wideo.co/view/3262481399423613313-how-to-not-live-a-balanced-life-copy-copy
Implications for classroom use:
Tired of using powerpoint? Why not have your students create a video instead. Below are some ideas for classroom use, as stated by the teachersfirst.com website:
"This tool has a wide variety of applications for the classroom. Have students make an animation about a historical figure or a character in a novel. As students write their own story, use Wideo to animate the characters. Use Wideo to explain lab procedures or make a commercial about the superpowers of an element. If you use a template, the work will be quick and can focus on content instead of glitz. Students can explain vocabulary words, chemical equations, solving for X and more. Challenge your gifted students to create an entire animated series. ESL/ELL or world language students could create animations to practice or explain their new vocabulary. Use one of the templates to "advertise" an upcoming class project or even the daily homework assignments on your class web page. Have students help create ads for new books in the library! "
The classroom possibilities are endless! Oh such deliciousness! My belly is in heaven from all these great tech snacks! Until our next snack break...