Featured Chrome App: PowToon

When I first started teaching, PowerPoint was all the rage, but over the years, many of us have died a slow death from boring PowerPoint presentations in which presenters have read every bit of text on their slides to an audience that has already read ahead. I have been guilty of this crime myself and have learned to abide by Guy Kawasaki's 10-20-30 rule for presenting information. I have also moved away from PowerPoint, using Prezi and Google Slides as an alternative.

Recently, however, PowToon has caught my attention. PowToon is Web-based animation software that allows you and your students to create animated presentations by manipulating text, scenes and objects from the PowToon gallery, imported images, background music, and user-created voice-overs for an engaging, animated video with a professional look and feel. It is easy to get started as PowToon will allow you to sign up for its service with your Google account. Further, PowToon has an outstanding support page with helpful video tutorials. Click here to learn more.

Check out PowToon in action and get inspired with 11 Quick & Amazing Ways to Use PowToon in Your Classroom.

Learn how to create your own PowToon in a few easy steps:

PowToon 01: Getting Started
PowToon 02: Start from Scratch and Add/Edit Text
PowToon 03: Add and Animate Characters
PowToon 04: Add and Animate Objects
PowToon 05: Add Sound and Export 

View the video below as I create and publish a PowToon from scratch.

21st Century Teaching and Learning

Throughout the school year, I will be sharing weekly "how-to" blog posts to introduce you to meaningful instructional technology tools and strategies, but before we get to the "how-to", it is equally important to address "how come?" One of the things I try to impress upon teachers is that effective technology integration isn't really about the devices one chooses. Rather, teachers' instructional goals and the skills they would like to foster among students should be at the forefront. The SAMR Model offers a way for teachers reflect on their lesson design and assess their approach to teaching and learning in the digital age.

In addition to the SAMR Model, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills stresses the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration to engage students in the learning process. For a brief overview of the Framework for 21st Century Learning, click here.

Fortunately, West Genesee is poised to capitalize on 21st Century Skill development with our investment in Chromebooks and the adoption of G Suite for Education. With this platform, many of the pieces are in place to grow students' skills and prepare them for college and career success. I am excited to support your efforts but also realize how daunting it may seem for you to transform your professional practice. To help you better conceptualize what meaningful instructional technology integration might look like, click this link for some practical examples of transforming lessons through the lens of the SAMR Model.