Getting Started with Animoto

One of the great opportunities provided educators with the cornucopia of technology tools available today is more easily moving from students as consumers of knowledge products such as worksheets, videos, lectures from their teachers and others, to producers of their own knowledge by creating videos, animations, concept maps and more.  This is an important 21st Century Learning Skill and enables students to become more active participants in their own learning.

Animoto is a useful tool for students and teachers to create videos that demonstrate their understanding of a concept and communicate their ideas from pictures and/or video clips.  What we would like to do here is help you get started using this awesome site.  When you first set up your account you will have a free account that only allows you to create web quality videos up to 30 seconds long and have access to a limited number of video styles and 300 music tracks to choose from.  As an educator you can have access to an Animoto Pro account for 6 months and for up to 50 students.  Below are the steps to get signed up and create your first video.

1.  Sign up for Animoto

2.  Click on the Education link at the bottom of the page.

3.  Click on the Learn More button where it asks if you are a teacher.

4. Select the Apply Now button and fill out the form.

5.  While it says it may take weeks to get you a code, we have found that you get it automatically.  This is the code that the students need to also get a pro account.  One suggestion, since it is a long code, either create a google doc with the code on it as well as the directions for signing up that you share with them, share it on your LMS like Edmodo or Schoology,  or simply email the code and directions to them.   You may use this sample directions Google Doc for sharing with your students on how to get set up and get started.  Simply past your promo code on the line.  Here is an example of a confirmation page with the code:

Here are the steps in none other than an Animoto Video:

If you want to learn more, attend Christine's Workshop on Tuesday February 18th.  Find out more and sign up on MyLearningPlan.Com