Animation within the Classroom
In this workshop we were introduced to a variety of websites that students can experiment with animations and movie creations. We were specifically warned that as the internet has no restrictions it is imperial that before websites are chosen to be used in the classroom that they are thoroughly explored and approved by teaching staff to avoid students being exposed to unacceptable content.
The first website we explored is called dfilm.com. It was a good experience to manipulate backgrounds, scenes and characters to begin to learn about the techniques
involved with animation and movie creation. In doing so, we created a short cartoon film which is displayed below:
The first website we explored is called dfilm.com. It was a good experience to manipulate backgrounds, scenes and characters to begin to learn about the techniques
involved with animation and movie creation. In doing so, we created a short cartoon film which is displayed below:
Unfortunately, this website is deemed unsuitable for the classroom as the characters and scenes available are inappropriate.
The second website we were shown is called buildyourwildself.com. I personally enjoyed this activity of creating your own character and then using animal parts to go wild! Teamed with the Wildlife Conservation Society, this website allows students to express their creative side, as well as offering factual information about specific animals as they complete the process. Below is an example of the animations possible:
The next website we viewed is called zimmertwins.com. This is another movie maker website which due to time restrictions we were unable to explore.
The following website we experimented with is called sketchswap.com. The concept is to sketch a drawing and then 'swap' it with someone on the world wide web. I really enjoyed this website, however, as it is unpredictable, is not safe for classroom use. Below is the sketch which I received after submitting my own sketch:
The next website is known as reasonablyclever.com. This website enables students to create lego characters and relevant comic strips. It has a 'kid-safe' option, which is suitable for the classroom and would be useful in the classroom when exploring procedural text, story boards and art. Below is a sample of the website:
The next website we were shown is called xtranormal.com. The concept of this website is to move from text to movie. As this website requires membership, it may be unacceptable due to student privacy issues. Below is a picture of what the website looks like:
The next website is called abc.net.au/rollercoaster/rollermache/ This website allows students to plan stories and create matching animations. It is a great way to inspire students to write creatively.
The following website is called ziptales.com. It offers a mixture of 'make-and-do' activities for students to complete with step-by-step instructions. Great for students' fine motor skill practice and art exploration. Below is an example of the 'Tiny Teddy' activity, where students create a teddy bear to put on display:
The next website is called storygames.com. This is a great teacher resource for reading and writing activities to use in the classroom. It allows students to edit their own story writing as well as add to others writing pieces to create a writing piece with everyone's shared input.
The use of 'spellchecker'
Finally, we also were shown a unique, interesting way of how much everyone relies on the computer itself for spell check, rather than using our own intellect to spell commonly used words. Our instructions were to turn off the computer screen and type out the dictation Greg was to read aloud. My attempt was as follows:
I have a spelling checker
It came with my PC,
It plainly marks with my review
Mistakes I cannot see.
I strike a key and type a word
And wait for it to say
Whether I am wrong or right
It shows me straight away.
This task alone really made me notice just how much we do rely on computers for the simplest of tasks, such as spelling, and not to let our future students to take the easy option of relying on a 'spellchecker' instead of using known phonics and other spelling rules they are taught. Therefore, it is important students are still encouraged to refine their fine motor skills also. Despite this, ICT has advanced learning beyond any boundaries known and provides infinite possibilities for both students and teachers to explore we just need to HAVE A GO!
The second website we were shown is called buildyourwildself.com. I personally enjoyed this activity of creating your own character and then using animal parts to go wild! Teamed with the Wildlife Conservation Society, this website allows students to express their creative side, as well as offering factual information about specific animals as they complete the process. Below is an example of the animations possible:
The next website we viewed is called zimmertwins.com. This is another movie maker website which due to time restrictions we were unable to explore.
The following website we experimented with is called sketchswap.com. The concept is to sketch a drawing and then 'swap' it with someone on the world wide web. I really enjoyed this website, however, as it is unpredictable, is not safe for classroom use. Below is the sketch which I received after submitting my own sketch:
The next website is known as reasonablyclever.com. This website enables students to create lego characters and relevant comic strips. It has a 'kid-safe' option, which is suitable for the classroom and would be useful in the classroom when exploring procedural text, story boards and art. Below is a sample of the website:
The next website we were shown is called xtranormal.com. The concept of this website is to move from text to movie. As this website requires membership, it may be unacceptable due to student privacy issues. Below is a picture of what the website looks like:
The next website is called abc.net.au/rollercoaster/rollermache/ This website allows students to plan stories and create matching animations. It is a great way to inspire students to write creatively.
The following website is called ziptales.com. It offers a mixture of 'make-and-do' activities for students to complete with step-by-step instructions. Great for students' fine motor skill practice and art exploration. Below is an example of the 'Tiny Teddy' activity, where students create a teddy bear to put on display:
The next website is called storygames.com. This is a great teacher resource for reading and writing activities to use in the classroom. It allows students to edit their own story writing as well as add to others writing pieces to create a writing piece with everyone's shared input.
The use of 'spellchecker'
Finally, we also were shown a unique, interesting way of how much everyone relies on the computer itself for spell check, rather than using our own intellect to spell commonly used words. Our instructions were to turn off the computer screen and type out the dictation Greg was to read aloud. My attempt was as follows:
I have a spelling checker
It came with my PC,
It plainly marks with my review
Mistakes I cannot see.
I strike a key and type a word
And wait for it to say
Whether I am wrong or right
It shows me straight away.
This task alone really made me notice just how much we do rely on computers for the simplest of tasks, such as spelling, and not to let our future students to take the easy option of relying on a 'spellchecker' instead of using known phonics and other spelling rules they are taught. Therefore, it is important students are still encouraged to refine their fine motor skills also. Despite this, ICT has advanced learning beyond any boundaries known and provides infinite possibilities for both students and teachers to explore we just need to HAVE A GO!
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