Sunday, November 6, 2011

BP04_Xtranormal

Xtranormal Review

Again with the Web 2.0 Tools, I get caught up in the hundreds of options, which is great, but it just takes a bit of time.  I will definitely use Zoho for student management software and an online grade book.  It is a pretty solid database program.  However, I didn’t think it had the “eye-candy” wow for this assignment.  I wanted something I could use for a little more student engagement. Since I am an English teacher, I am always looking for non-traditional story telling methods.  I have used the montage/music video style and the Machinima methods, both very successfully.  Students love to bring their stories to life.  I will try my hand at animation.  I have tried Go Animate before, but the tool I will try today is Xtranormal.





 

Animation Themes


The directions begin by stating it is so easy to get started.  Basic instructions are to select the set, actors, sounds, and dialogue.  Let’s see how easy it really is…  I noticed quickly that the set choices were minimal.  As with many Web 2.0 Tools, I have noticed a trend for a usable program for free and bells and whistles cost a few dollars.  In this case, you can access a full teacher assignment page for $10 per month.  That’s less than $100.00 annually.  Not to bad.  For that price, you can issue assignments and publish finished projects.  Publishing projects helps students feel part of the global community.  They are adding their digital footprint to the mix.


Screen Shot - User Interface

Well, the process was very simple.  I selected a background and actors.  I was even able to change the speakers’ accents.  I created a script based on a controversial topic, Windmills.  Juniors in High School do a controversial topic paper and must do critical thinking exercises to narrow down their research.  I thought it might be fun to present the controversial topic this way and allow students to object based on research.  Most people are aware of the positive benefits of Wind Power, So, I wrote the script, which focused on the negative aspects of Wind Power.  I was even able to add gestures or dramatic pause.  I do risk adding too many, as with any new tool.  But I will try to keep it within reason.


Storyboard Interface

I finished my project and I should say that it was very easy.  Upon viewing the preview, I decide to add camera angles that focused on the interview participants.  The automatic camera angles missed most of my special hand gestures and facial features.  I think the final project is pretty good.  


Xtranormal Animation - Windmills

I want to try one more project with my daughter, age 4.  This time I tried to use her own voice clips.  You will be able to tell by the video.  I realized after that I should record on my own software and then upload so that I can manipulate the sound better.  The clips that were directly input into the Xtranormal software were difficult to hear so I had to nix the background music.  She wanted a reggae vibe. This was her first attempt and she immediately critiqued as well.  She wants to do a longer story. I am sure we will be making a few more.  I also attached her post interview.  She wasn’t really used to the Face Time app as you can tell.


Xtranormal Clip - Amberlee



Post Interview -Interview

In summary, I found Xtranormal to be a great storytelling tool for the classroom.   Another aspect In the future, I want to explore the collaborative environment that would exist in a classroom project.  Most of the software options allow for two or three actors.  It would be cool to allow more than one student to create a script for the characters.  Small teams of four could collaborate on a storyboard prior to accessing the computer.  I also see a great platform for team debates in upper grade levels.  These are all options of Xtranormal I hope to explore in my future classroom.

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