PowToons
What is PowToons?
PowToons ® is a web-based platform tool that can be used to create short, engaging animated video presentations. It allows anyone to create a professional quality video presentation.
Users can choose from a number of animation templates and styles, moving graphics, and personal photo or clip art and cartoon content to develop a presentation. It also allows users to integrate music soundtracks provided on the site or to use voiceover to narrate the video content.
Because it is web-based, it can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. It is simple to use and fun to create. The user needs no experience to develop their video.
Using PowToons for E-Learning
· It is engaging and fun.
· Use to welcome students to the online classroom.
· Use to introduce instructor to the learners.
· Use to provide instructions for assignments.
· Can be used in place of didactic teaching to promote discussion.
· Can use to provide an example of difficult concepts.
· Can be used by students in group projects or presentations
Pro's
· Offers users a fun and unique presentation option which is dynamic and engaging.
· It is simple to learn and to use.
· It is free! **
· Design templates provided but also offers the opportunity to develop one’s own design.
· Allows users to integrate text, personal images, and clip art.
· Numerous videos to guide educators in the development of their video.
· Can be downloaded to PowerPoint, PDF, or MP4.**
· Web-based and is therefore accessible anywhere with an internet connection
Con's
· Free account only permits a maximum video length of 5 minutes
· Does not have accessibility features for students with learning accommodation.
· **Free account holders have a somewhat limited choice of templates, characters, and styles.
· Limited options for music feature with a free account.
· ** MP4 download feature only available with a paid upgrade to Pro or Business accounts.
· The PowToons watermark appears in all slides and is not removable without an account upgrade.
Resources
University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2019). Online tools for teaching and learning. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://blogs.umass.edu/onlinetools/community-centered-tools/powtoon/.
Rogowski, M. (2018). Common sense education. Retrieved from https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/powtoon.
Top Tools for Learning 2018: Results of the 12th annual digital learning tools survey. Retrieved from https://www.toptools4learning.com/powtoon/.
Wood, L. J. (2016, August 6). Enhancing teaching and learning with PowToons. ACEnglish Teacher. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://acenglishteacherblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/using-powtoon-to-enhance-teaching-and-learning/.