EDTC 5113: Animated Instructional Video

I chose to create an instructional video for this week's EDTC 5113 Digital Media Production homework to help my students understand the expectations of literature circles. I used PowToon to create the video because it is user-friendly and free. I think this video will help my students understand my expectations for their reading groups. It will also give them something to return to when they forget what to do.

I tried using ZimmerTwins http://www.zimmertwins.com/movie/starters first. I decided against it because I would have had to make two videos since it wouldn't allow me to cover all that I needed to cover in one animated video. I might try it another time when I have a smaller amount of information.

Video animation as an instructional tool is an effective engagement strategy. Since students are used to watching YouTube videos and interacting with social media, it's a great way to connect them to the content in a familiar way. It's also a great way to have a condensed version of a skill or concept you can make available on your website for students who are absent or need a refresher during homework. Videos are great attention grabbers. I try to mix them into my lessons whenever possible.