Joan O'Mara Animoto-Landforms Video

I chose to create a learning tool for my classroom. The tool is a vocabulary video using illustrated flashcards and photographs. The flashcards contain illustrated vocabulary words for the landforms unit taught to second graders. We begin this unit immediately in the year. Communities are established based on location. Location is selected based on the landforms: soil and water. I felt something was missing with the existing flashcards. The students were not able to grasp the vocabulary as readily as I had imagined they would.

Thus, I was inspired to reflect on an existing teaching tool, the flashcards, and bump it up to include technology to enhance learning. I really like the definitions paired with the illustrations. But I realized that an important aspect of the information was missing-the realia.

After looking through all the examples, I came across the name of a program I recognized, Animoto. It really is as advertised, “digital storytelling in its simplest form.”  All that is needed is to upload images and put them in any order as you wish. I included text, music, and images- illustrations and photographs. Animoto transfers the media to video for you. I’m in!

The process is a bit time consuming because of all the uploading. My first mistake was uploading all my photos at once. My second mistake was choosing photos that had too few pixels for generating the video. I recommend inputting the photo immediately after uploading it. Animoto alerts you instantly if the photo is an incorrect size. Once I realized my mistake, I was more careful in choosing appropriate photos to accommodate the program. I also learned to dig into a photo file to confirm a compatible sizing. Another first!

So, today I used the web to seek out the best photographic examples of realia to bring the illustrations to life. I purposely selected photographs of local landforms as well as culturally connected landforms. My students are culturally American, Polish and Mexican. I selected some landmarks outside this parameter to connect to staff members whom the children interact with regularly. That is why you see landforms from all around the world, not just the United States. I liked too, that captions can be included on the photos reinforce the learning.

After uploading all items, I created text frames to guide the students through some terminology I felt was confusing.  Then it’s a simply procedure to put the frames in order. Essentially, it is sorting like Power Point. To preview, simply click the button and the video program creates the special effects of Power Point for you. This saved me bunches of time because programming a Power Point presentation is something that I immerse myself in, to the point of perfection.

Also included in the program is a vast music library. Because I was working with earth forms, it felt quite natural to choose classical music. Also, research shows that classical music enhances learning. Thus, jump aboard Beethoven, my go to guy in the classroom.

But what excites me most, it that this program will be attainable for my students to learn to use. I am eager to try it this year now that I have had the experience myself. It was a lot easier than I thought is would be. A colleague shared it with me last year. In a word, it overwhelmed me. No more! My students will be exposed to the experience. Those who grasp it will serve as peer tutors. I can also see this the fifth grade buddies helping their second grade friends with this tool. I am certain the 11 year olds can mange it.

Landforms Video
https://youtu.be/wCCChObqq5M