Saturday, June 5, 2010

Image Generators and Mashups- Tool #3

I'm embarrassed that my son has used Animoto many times and this is my FIRST attempt. I chose some really cute photos to show off the love in my classroom. In case anyone is wondering, I do have photo releases for ALL my students!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Typically, I use Power Point to make slide shows set to theme music. I try to make a "movie" for each one of our adventures. Since my class is "non-verbal", I use these movies to reinforce vocabulary and to stimulate spontaneous language (via sign language or communication device). One of my students' favorite PPTs this year was our trip to the SBISD FFA Barnyard Adventure. It was set to a really fun song about farms (not Old Mac Donald).

I can envision guiding my students through the process of making their own animoto about our activities. I think it will heighten their interest level and create many opportunities for language. What fun to watch "THEIR" creations during morning circle and not mine!

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more

Wow! This would make a great Mother's Day Gift!

Most of the Image Generators and Mashers are great! The problem I encounter is not being able to use my own photos. The bookr site would be great for children who are able to use prior knowledge to select photos. My students needs images and photos that directly pertain to them. Again, I have to fall back on Boardmaker by Mayer-Johnson. It allows you to make an interactive book with your photos, their icons, text and with sound!

I enjoyed looking at each and every site listed under Tools #2. I will add a few of them to my bookmarks for future use. Maybe when I am in the thick of a project I will see a better way to utilize some of these applications with my students.

Keep in mind that my class is made up of students that need modifications for everything. Flashy graphics and images, as much as I like them, are not always appropriate for them as a learning tool.

I'm open to any suggestions for using any of the sites listed under Tool #2.



Credits: animoto, imagechef, spell with flickr, imageshack

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