Go Animate! Technology

Go Animate! would be very useful in engaging students with the Big Ideas of Science. These videos could be used to set the stage for introducing specific science concepts. Students could use this animation technology to create their own videos for presentations. It also might be a good way for students to show prior knowledge. The animation could become a rich source of direction for the teacher if the students are given enough time to fully demonstrate what they know about the topic and concept.

Pros:

• Visually engaging
• Great alternative for presenting facts (i.e., text, lecture)
• Good medium for collaboration
• Appeals to the “video” generation
• Free tool
• Can be closed captioned for ELL and hearing impaired students

Cons:

·         Learning curve for using this animation tool may be too steep for some and age-limited

·         Many options within the tool requires subscription

·         Concept being discussed may be lost in the slick production

·         Can be a “black hole of time” for those who are perfectionists or lack the skill level