Web 2.0 Tool #2: PowToon

Link to PowToon:     

https://www.powtoon.com/

Link to example of PowToon in use:   

https://www.powtoon.com/c/eXVkiAQUmwK/1/m


Description of Powtoon: 
PowToon is a Web 2.0 tool that can be used with ease and creativity by both teachers and students alike to create professional looking animated presentations. A user simply "create[s] a new project" by following the PowToon three step storyboard process: (1) choose a look or select from a pre-made template, (2) build a story, and (3) edit content. The editing of content is a lot of fun as PowToon has an included a collection of dynamic backgrounds, captivating text types, full library of images (some animated), multitude of objects, several graph types, and sounds for users to play with. Furthermore, if a user cannot seem to find what he/she is looking for in the pretty extensive PowToon collection, then he/she can do a search within PowToon or upload their own backgrounds, images, and sounds. PowToon even offers users the option to record voiceover for an entire presentation or per slide, which is a wonderful feature.

The linked example PowToon included above serves as a model for students to view before they engage in a project based lesson. During the lesson, students create a "5 Facts About My Instrument" animated presentation of their own using the Web 2.0 tool. After watching the sample, students can explore "How-To" tutorials on the PowToon website and play with the tool before the design phase. Using PowToon to create allows students a lot of creative freedom, which is extremely empowering. I can see incorporating this tool seamlessly into many more project based lessons in my classroom as well as using it simply to present content to my students.

It is important to note that I created the "5 Facts About My Violin" example as a free subscriber, not as a "Pro Plan" member. At first glance, you will see that the "5 Facts" and other pre-made templates are marked for "Pro Plan" users only. However, just because they are marked as such does not mean that free subscribers cannot use them. The following screenshots will show you how to access these "Pro Plan" templates without paying, which is a huge bonus:

Notice the "PRO PLAN" distinction -- but have no fear!

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Read the text in the dark gray box.

• It elaborates on the definition of "PREMIUM (locked)" content and explains that you can delete the object(s) and use the template without it. 
• Underneath the red "UPGRADE NOW" button it says, "Remove all Premium Objects". 
• Click that command and PowToon will automatically get rid of all the "PREMIUM" content that stands in the way, which you can readily replace with new things.

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Compare the screenshot above to this one.

• While all the text remains, the pictures have been removed. It is the users job to add new ones in their place. 

The example above provides just a few ideas on how to incorporate PowToon in the classroom: (a) have students use it to create an animated presentation on information for a specific project based learning opportunity or (b) you--the teacher--use it to present lesson content to students. Here are several linked articles that can help guide you as well as find more ways to infuse this Web 2.0 animated presentation tool in your classroom:

1. 11 Quick and Easy Ways to Use PowToon in the Classroom - PowToon
2. Common Sense Review: PowToon - Common Sense Education
3. Creating Classroom Accounts - PowToon
4. Powtoon4Edu Blog - PowToon