App Review: Animoto

App Title: Animoto Videos

Grade Level: 3-12 and Higher Education

Cost: Free

Introduction/Background of App

Animoto is an application that brings the functionality of Animoto online to the iPhone. Animoto’s functionality is in the ability to take photos and video that the user specifies, add a music soundtrack ,which can be from their open source music library or music uploaded by the user, to create a movie complete with transitions. The iPhone app is free and available through the app store. Animoto online allows for the creation of 30 second videos for free and educators are able to apply for an all access pass. Additionally there is a professional version available as well. Pricing and features can be found at http://Animoto.com/pricing


Description of App functionality

The Animoto iPhone App allows you to create your movies directly from your iPhone. Images and videos can be selected from those stored on the iPhone, the soundtrack can be selected from the Animoto music library, and the movie can be rendered all on the mobile device. Additionally, videos can be synced with your Animoto account and downloaded so they can be viewed offline on your mobile device. Each time the video is rendered it is different through the remix feature. Additionally, individual photos can be “spotlighted” and have more attention paid to that image in the video. Text can be added to images and the movies can be shared and downloaded.

Here is an example of an Animoto video I created that I share with my students at the beginning of a class.

Classroom Use/ Examples /Ideas
Educators can have additional access to Animoto. Teachers can apply for an educator account at Animoto for Education which gives teachers full access to Animoto for free.

Their education website provides a number of case studies of how teachers have used Animoto for instruction.

I have seen Animoto used in education in two ways.

First, it is a great way to have students in an online class introduce themselves. Students are able to choose the images they would like to share as well as select their music. This provides a window to the students when they get to choose how to express themselves. I also include my own Animoto movie, as seen above,  to introduce myself to my students so they can get to know me as well. The result of using this easy to use tool has been that it has helped to build community in the online class and establish a rapport between me and my students. Here is a link to an assignment prompt, created by Shelley Rodrigo, Ph.D. and Susan K. Miller-Cochran, Ph.D., for having students create their introductions using Animoto.

Second, a colleague of mine has used Animoto for students to develop presentations. Using images and text they are able to convey ideas and their knowledge. The Business faculty member gave students an assignment to develop a 30 second movie (of course without audio words) to describe what NAFTA means to them. The result showed a thorough understanding of the legislation in a concise manner. By having to scour the Internet to find the best images to convey their thoughts and knowledge, students were able to truly express their understanding. Additionally, students had a sense of pride in the movie they created.

Developer website: http://animoto.com/developer

Reviewer Name: Lisa C. Young

Reviewer Blog: http://lcbyoung-scc.squarespace.com/