Audio+Visual

=**Audio Visual Websites**=

**Aviary**
Aviary is a website that features several different forms of media including music, video, audio, and picture editing. Specifically, my screencast focuses on the Music Creator application of the website. Using the music creator, even the most novice of musicians can create their own music which is saved in .mp3 or .wav files for easy use. The website features quick tutorials that help you through your initial visit, but it is so easy to use that someone could figure it out on their own. I was impressed with both the simplicity of use and wide variety of features. This is definitely a website I will be returning to in the future.

In the school setting, this could be used several different ways. Music classes (even basic music appreciation classes) could use this software to compose their own music or to explore the sounds of various instruments. Students could also use the Music Creator to create their own background music for their own publications to avoid copyright infringment or the use of creative commons. Music Creator allows everyone to try music composition without learning an instrument or how to read music. It is an easy and accessible program.

Aviary Screencast

PrimaryAccess.org is a unique presentation site that allows students to blend their own knowledge with images and videos of primary sources that are available online. To make a presentation, students search for and select primary sources from the website that compliment their topic. Then, students write their own script based on their knowledge of the subject and can record narration to accompany the primary sources. It is an easy program that walks students through the process of creating videos. While they may not be the most visually exciting presentations, this is an easy way for students to incorporate primary documents into their works with very little skill.
 * Primary Access**

Because the website's focus is primary sources, I can see this website being used mostly in History classrooms, but the ease of use allows for a wide range of age levels to participate. This could also be a good resource for students researching famous individuals or world events. I especially like that students get to narrate their own presentations. Hearing them talk about their topics in their own voices is much more powerful than using an avatar of some kind.

Animoto.com is website specializing in development of dynamic presentations. The user selects images, text, and music and the software integrates the three into a fast-paced, professional-looking presentation. The site allows presentations under 30 seconds to be created for free. (It is VERY hard to get the entire message across in 30 seconds). However, an educator version is available that provides videos without time limits for the teacher and up to 30 students. In addition, students do have the option of uploading their own video footage as a component of the presentation.
 * Animoto**

Because Animoto is so easy to use, it could be a great resource for students of a wide age span. This could be used to present information about any topic in any class. In my own classroom, students have used Animoto to create book trailers about upcoming award nominees. The librarian will be showing our book trailers to students next year to get them excited about reading. The kids are very excited with how professional their presentations look.

XtraNormal.com is great website that allows users to animate online figures and add their own dialogue to create cartoons. Users choose the setting, characters, actions, and dialogue. XtraNormal does the rest. The website operates on a point system. Movies cost different amounts depending on which options you choose. Some points are given for free to new users, but to make a movie with all of the options you want may cost some money. (You can buy your first round of points for as little as $10.) Free educator accounts are available to make educational materials, but classroom accounts are not.
 * XtraNormal**

XtraNormal could be a great resource for teachers who are looking to engage their students. Taking advantage of the Educator account could allow a teacher to make great, high-quality animated movies that would really interest their students. Characters and backgrounds are so varied that any content area could benefit. Teachers could also use these videos to help teach rules or procedures. Because the site is not free, I don't think I would recommend this site to students unless it was to create a major project. I feel like the educational value would have to be substantial in order to merit students paying to use the site.