Hi guys!  This week’s class was all about animation and there were a couple of different apps we could use for this, iMovie or istop animation.  We were tasked with creating a short film or trailer on internet safety since internet safety day was a few weeks ago.  Together with my group, we created both a trailer and a film that followed the story of a young girl who wasn’t careful online which in turn had terrible consequences.  I’ve attached both the link to the trailer and to the full film below, so go and have a look if you’ve got a spare few minutes.

iMovie and other apps like it are an excellent resource to use in the classroom, it allows the children to have free reign over what their film looks like, sounds like and the story it tells others.  These kinds of applications can be used in various different aspects across the curriculum, especially if you were to get the children to do all the planning for themselves, such as the script writing, character creation/casting, creation of backgrounds and props and lots more.  This will improve their Literacy skills because they have to write the script, their art skills are being used too as they have to create backgrounds and props and even characters if the film is going to be animated, they are also developing their personal skills if they are working in groups to create their films.  You can use iMovie and its sibling apps for various different things, for example, creating a story, voicing their opinions on important points, re-enacting historical events, topic work, presentations or covering important topics such as internet safety or road safety.  Here are some of the Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes that are relevant to such applications as iMovie:

I can work with others to generate, discuss and develop imaginative ideas to create a product of the future. TCH 1-01b

I can create, capture and manipulate sounds, text and images to communicate experiences, ideas and information in creative and engaging ways. TCH 1-04b / TCH 2-04b

I enjoy exploring and using technologies to communicate with others within and beyond my place of learning. TCH 0-04a

I enjoy taking photographs or recording sound and images to represent my experiences and the world around me. TCH 0-04b

Using appropriate software, I can work individually or collaboratively to design and implement a game, animation or other application. TCH 3-09a

According to cgpundit.com there are many ways in which animation can benefit children’s education and be used as an effective learning tool.

• Emphasises development of students’ skills and understanding of creating and responding.
• Enables students to apply Imagination & Rational Thinking.
• Enables students to invent and explore multiple solutions to a problem.
• Enables students to understand the value of reflection and critical judgment in creative work.
• Facilitates positive peer interaction, including receiving and using feedback.
• Encourages self-motivation to create and problem solve.
• Uses artistic literacy as a natural enhancement to learning in other content areas.
• Fosters positive attitudes toward Art & Animation.
• Introduces career possibilities.

Here are the links to my groups short film and trailer called ‘If Only’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbBj8roROYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ4iY0YfYWA

Until next time

Chloe x