GateWay Fall 2010 Faculty Inservice

My new Animoto introduction video

So, for the past 3 semesters, I've had my online students do introductions in the discussion board using an online tool called Animoto. Students can create 30 seconds of video using still images & video, music & text and publish to the web in a very short time. I love this assignment because it immediately develops a sort of familiarity and community amongst the students. As an instructional designer and e-learning specialist, I know that community in the online classroom is paramount. My students repeatedly tell me that their favorite assignment was the Animoto introduction. They share it with their family and friends along with their classmates. What's more, when I'm responding to their emails and grading their assignments, I often times go back and look at their videos to remember who they are. It helps me to be more compassionate and a better teacher. I think that sharing my Animoto video with them lets them know that I'm approachable and human....not just a computer. Here is my Animoto video that I share with my students (I also accompany it with a brief bio/introduction):

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.