Animoto

Animoto is a web based video slideshow creator. I remember first experiencing Animoto when I was getting my master's degree in instructional technology. At that point we were evaluating websites for the use in the classroom. Animoto does what MovieMaker and PhotoStory can't do and that's create a very professional looking video in a very short time. With features already built in like slide transitions and even music to use, you can't go wrong with Animoto.

Recently at the TCEA conference, I attended a session on using Animoto to create book trailers. It was a great session and even though I had some experience with Animoto, taking the extra time to play with the site was time well spent. Animoto videos could be used for many things such as introducing yourself to your class, highlighting events throughout a school day, month or year, sharing a students work, the list is only limited by your imagination.

This is not to say that MovieMaker, PhotoStory or iMovie are not as useful or any better or worse. These are all great programs to use. But give Animoto a look. You can create an educator account which gives you a longer length for your videos plus added features. You will also be able to give your students a code so they too can have access to the longer length and added features.

My compadre, Carol Mayo, and I will be sharing a session on Animoto at the Region X Technology Planning Conference on May 8th.

Here is the book trailer I created at TCEA.