Instructional Toolkit

Animoto is a video creation service that produces video using static photographs, and video clips into dynamic slideshow presentations.  While using this tool to produce the following video I discovered how easy it was to transform static images into presenting a concept.  Animoto has endless possibilities for any user to use for a number of projects.  However, using this tool is not free of charge. I created one 30 second video that was free of charge using the AnimotoLite plan. Nonetheless, I was limited time and to the templates offered in comparison to the the AnimotoPro plan.  Using the trial version of the AnimotoPro plan I created a second video that is over two minutes long. Being that it is a trial version, the Animoto watermark is embedded into the video. In order to get rid of it I would have to enroll in the service plan for $249/year. If I was a business perhaps I would be inclined in purchases this tool.  The results are outstanding and very simple to use. Enjoy the videos.

"Make Great Videos. Easily." Animoto. Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <https://animoto.com/>.

Information Design Tool

“If a picture speaks a thousand words, an animation conveys an idea.”- Powtoon

PowToon is an intuitive information presentation software that allows any user to create and design engaging arrangements of information. The Powtoon interface is designed to make it simple for any user to use without lacking professional "look".  The software provides a drag-and-drop editor for creating animated presentations. Depending on the template one chooses to use, Powtoon offers a variety of graphics to be embedded into the creation of the presentation as well as colorful backgrounds. Some of the graphics provided include drawings of people and objects that can be arranged in any position. The following video demonstrates what Powtoon is all about:
PowToon contains themes of animated characters, props and cool transitions which you can just drag and drop into a slide to create eye catching and fun presentations that can be presented in person, or turned into animated videos at the click of a button - to be shared on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.-Powtoon

 I felt that this was a great tool in presenting dull information in an animated way that essentially can be very effective in communicating with an audience.

 

 I quickly designed a small presentation based on Chapter 4, Design Toolkit: Visual devices to help communicate information found in the Information Design Workbook by Kim Baer. I really enjoyed working with the software and hope to use it for future projects.

 

"PowToon - Brings Awesomeness to Your Presentations." PowToon. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. <http://www.powtoon.com/>.