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Monday, September 13, 2010

BP8_Xtranormal.com



Xtranromal.com is a web 2.0 tool that allows you to create your own animated videos.  The most interesting thing is that you do not need to record your voice.  All you have to do is type out the script and an automated voice takes care of the rest.  You can add different gestures, looks, and settings to help customize your video.  I like that it is something different then the typical videos that I create on iMovie.  It is a great way to show my creativity in a relaxed animated environment.


I plan on using xtranormal.com to create videos that I can use in the classroom.  It can be a lot quicker then filming scenes because you can copy and paste text that you have already written and it will automatically speak it.  There will be no need for retakes and making sure that you say everything correctly at the time you film.




I plan on having students create their own promotional videos for choir.  This site will help them create great looking professional videos.  They will not have to worry about having video equipment and they can creatively express what they want to say with nothing more then an internet connection and a computer. 


I found that the site was fairly user friendly and once you get the hang of how to add extra features like looks and camera angles then the rest came very quickly.  Just like any new program you will have to spend a little time playing around with all the many features but once you do, you will be able to move faster through projects and they will start looking professional in no time!



3 comments:

  1. Jason, I am really excited about this site and can't wait to visit! My goal is to get teachers to integrate technology in their classrooms and since enrolling in Full Sail, I have been excited to see if I can get them to create movies to help themselves teach lessons (can you imagine having yourself as your co-teacher?). The one thing a lot of people don't want to hear is their own voice (I know I don't!). I think this is a great way for teachers to use a movie maker program. I will be investigating whether the movies can be downloaded because so many sites are blocked within our firewall. Thanks for the site!!!

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  2. Jason,
    I messed around with this tool and I must say excellent find. I was trying to use it for my next video on my blog because it is a very interesting piece of equipment. I would love to use this in my classroom because it will be a great way to introduce a topic to 5th graders. They love technology and I have found this is the best way to motivate them. Excellent find on the program.

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  3. Jason,

    I am excited about this find for different reasons than you stated. Piggy backing off Alima, some do not like listening to their own voice. I have found some students to be very introverted and paralyzed to produce images, sounds, etc. of themselves. For example, I have introduced iChat to my students and have chatted with them online. Some of the students who have said just a few words to me in the years I have known them have opened up in iChat. These same students were paralyzed with fear last year when I did podcasts with them. I see this as a differentiation tool where more students can be successful with multimedia production.

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