WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009
BP15_2009113_Peer Review of Carrie Keebler's Web 2.0 Tool "Xtranormal"
There are so many Web 2.0 tools and applications available, 
it can be overwhelming finding tools that will work in the classroom. However, after sifting through the numerous Web 2.0 choices, I discovered an application I am excited to use in my classroom.
Xtranormal is a text to video program that can help students think critically about writing. Basically, the program allows the user to type a script for one or two people, and then the site animates the text. When the program starts it allows the user to choose the number of characters in the movie (one or two), the way the characters will look, and the setting of the movie. After the basics have been chosen, the user can then go on to type the script, choose camera angles, change character voices, and determine different types of animation for the film.
The educational benefits of this program are far reaching. Xtranormal forces the user to think about the script they are writing. What is the purpose of the movie? Who will be viewing the final product? How will the users know they have accomplished their goal for the film? These are questions I would hope my students would think about when they are writing.
Other educational benefits of Xtranormal could extend beyond Language Arts. Social Studies teachers might use the program to have students explain a famous historical figure. Math teachers could have students create a film that explains how to solve a specific math problem. Science teachers could use the program to have students explain different types of rocks. The possibilities are endless.
Posted by Carrie Kleber at 9:57 PM
cmills said...
Carrie,
Based on you review of Xtranormal I will check it out as a possible tool for my classes. I teach Video Graphics and it sounds like a program my students would like. I am also looking for ways to incorporate more writing in my curriculum and it sounds like Xtranormal would provide that opportunity as well.
Sheryl Floyd also commented that she might use it in her Video class. This is all the more reason why I am going to check it out. Thanks!
November 11, 2009 5:22 PM
it can be overwhelming finding tools that will work in the classroom. However, after sifting through the numerous Web 2.0 choices, I discovered an application I am excited to use in my classroom.Xtranormal is a text to video program that can help students think critically about writing. Basically, the program allows the user to type a script for one or two people, and then the site animates the text. When the program starts it allows the user to choose the number of characters in the movie (one or two), the way the characters will look, and the setting of the movie. After the basics have been chosen, the user can then go on to type the script, choose camera angles, change character voices, and determine different types of animation for the film.
The educational benefits of this program are far reaching. Xtranormal forces the user to think about the script they are writing. What is the purpose of the movie? Who will be viewing the final product? How will the users know they have accomplished their goal for the film? These are questions I would hope my students would think about when they are writing.
Other educational benefits of Xtranormal could extend beyond Language Arts. Social Studies teachers might use the program to have students explain a famous historical figure. Math teachers could have students create a film that explains how to solve a specific math problem. Science teachers could use the program to have students explain different types of rocks. The possibilities are endless.
Posted by Carrie Kleber at 9:57 PM
cmills said...
Carrie,
Based on you review of Xtranormal I will check it out as a possible tool for my classes. I teach Video Graphics and it sounds like a program my students would like. I am also looking for ways to incorporate more writing in my curriculum and it sounds like Xtranormal would provide that opportunity as well.
Sheryl Floyd also commented that she might use it in her Video class. This is all the more reason why I am going to check it out. Thanks!
November 11, 2009 5:22 PM
2 COMMENTS:
Chuck,
I can always count on you to find such interesting and high tech tools to use that will both interest students and challenge them to reach higher levels of learning. Xtranormal seems to do just that! I like the idea of the students having so much input in the script and choosing characters as it helps them to 'own' their learning, which we all know makes the difference in how an activity makes an impact.
While I will use Comic Strip for majority of my students, this is a great alternative for those students that are in exceptional placement classes and/or those really interested in art and computer graphics. I have one student in mind that will absolutely love the opportunity to work with this program as he lives, eats and breathes computers!
Thanks for sharing.
Carrie, thanks for originally finding it. I will post on your page for this idea as well.