As we all know, videos can be
quite effective when it comes to instructing, sharing, and promoting. Primary
students as well as our colleagues delight over a well-produced video on an interesting topic. Now,
teacher-librarians can create their own engaging videos using PowToon. PowToon
is Web-based animation software that allows users to create animated
presentations by manipulating pre-created objects, imported images, provided
music and user created voice-overs. [1] With PowToon, you can publish your
videos to YouTube and easily share on social media.
PowToon is a great way to
communicate with colleagues and enhance your professional development workshops.
I used PowToon once to create a slideshow that encourages teachers to develop “partnerships”
with their students. Instead of teaching to the test and focusing on rote
memorization of facts, I used PowToon to outline the benefits of partnering
with students. When partnering, students start with the guiding questions and
then learn the answers and skills for themselves with the help of their peers and
teacher. Partnering is an inspiring, rejuvenating experience that takes instruction
to a new realm.
To excite students about
the upcoming school year, I created a PowToon that highlights fun events and
activities to be expected from the library. Students listened and watched “Cartoon
Mr. Northern” to learn about Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Program, Scholastic Book Fairs, One
School, One Book Program, and more. Students were thrilled to discover the year’s
exciting happenings, especially when it came from a cartoon character that looked
and sounded like their very own librarian.
I encourage you to try
PowToon for yourself. You will be amazed at how quickly your videos “spread the
word”.
References
1. Mersand, Shannon (May 2014). "Product Review: PowToon". Tech
and Learning. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
