Create an animated story full of detail

Submitted 10 years ago

Community Review for Xtranormal

Mara G.
Mara G.
Teacher
Greenbush-Middle River School District
Greenbush MN, US
My Rating
Pedagogy
Supports

My Take

Xtranormal is a free web tool for creating an animated story. It is not the most simple tool to use, mainly because there are so many options for creating and customizing your story. This is great--but do not expect students to get in and out in a class period. It is a fairly intuitive program but there are tutorials and a help page if needed. If willing to work hard, students can create an animated video they have completely customized themselves.

How I Use It

I have used Xtranormal as a creation/storytelling activity. Students like the engagement but be prepared: there are a lot of options and details to work through to get a complete, engaging video. That said, it is a great too for upper middle and high school students to really push them to work hard, think creatively, troubleshoot and finish what they start.

More community reviews for Xtranormal

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Laura E.
Laura E. Cordova Middle School Phoenix, AZ
September 25, 2014

A great way to have students animate appropriate social skills.

I think this tool definitely helped my students that struggled with behavior or socialization.
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Ramona L.
Ramona L.
August 22, 2013

RIP for an Amazing Site

This amazing site shut down on July 31, 2013. It was great for all subjects, levels and learners and especially easy to work. Once students had mastered the basics, it had the sophistication to let them really showcase their ideas. I was devastated and began searching for a site as good as this one.
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Registered U.
Registered U.
August 22, 2013

Writing dialogue has never been more fun!

Xtranormal is an animation site where one can select a character or two, write a monologue or dialogue for them, and add gestures for the character to perform while they are speaking. The site is easy to get started in, but it does take a few minutes for the "creation" of your animation. Students do like adding animations, which can take them away from the task, but I find that it engages them in the creative aspects. There is a limitation for the free users-less character choices. But for a few extra bucks, many of the features become available.
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See 4 reviews