Reflection

This assessment task exposed me to many tools, which will prove useful in the future. Deciding to try Doodly, discovered through a FB ad - my digital tattoo produces perfect algorithms! - I used the basic version, surprised how quickly an animation could be created. Once the scenes were laid out, I wrote and recorded the voice over directly in Doodly to fill the gaps whilst the drawing happened. Hours of adjusting animated timing of each element ensued, aligning the spoken and written words. This tool would be very fun for children to use in the classroom and would need minimal scaffolding.

Finding WIX much easier to use than my previous experience with WordPress, beginning with a template, I made many changes to make it my own. It would be easy for kids to blog using WIX, seen to have multiple benefits for not only students themselves, but teachers, parents, caregivers and the wider community. Young minds view the world in fresh ways and their opinions and observations should be shared on a safe platform.

Desiring a visual backdrop for my audio component, I chose Powtoon, due to popularity. Another simple program for children to navigate, applicable for multitudinous learning outcomes. It crashed. A lot! Saving every change, starting with a blank Powtoon, I found the visual components needed within the plethora of images and background videos available. Playing with options for text and element animations and scene transitions was fun! Having rewritten lyrics to “What A Wonderful World”, inspired by the TedTalks playlist (Week 9), I located a backing track available free at Jam Kazam. Using Audacity, I added the extra verse & chorus by copying and pasting, snipping slightly so beats didn’t skip. Having no prior experience with audio programs, muddling through hands-on-learning, I chose my best vocal take, recorded on my phone whilst listening to backing on my laptop via headphones and emailing to myself. Add reverb, export to Powtoon, match visual timing… finally done!