Monday, October 21, 2013

Layering Apps for Digital Storytelling


While at EdCamp Dallas a few weeks ago, I found out about a new app, called Background Eraser  and for $.99, it is pretty handy! The app very quickly transforms an image with a background into an image with a transparent background:

To layer the apps, first use a drawing app, such as Doodle Buddy, to create the image.
Available in App Store
Depending on the app, look for the sharing options found with the SHARE button. If SAVE TO CAMERA ROLL is not an option, press the HOME and SLEEP/WAKE button simultaneously to take a screenshot.  The saved image will save to the camera roll.

Next, launch the Background Eraser app and tap LOAD to insert the image.
Available in App Store
Allow the app to use the photos (if applicable) and navigate to the preferred photo.  Use the blue arrows to crop the image and tap DONE in the top, right corner.  Next, tap ERASER at the top to use the eraser tool and options.  When the image is complete, tap DONE at the top and SAVE to save to the camera roll.

Finally, launch a screencasting or whiteboard app, such as Educreations:

Available in App Store
Insert the image created earlier with the transparent background.  Utilize the app's recording features and animate using the newly-created image by swiping and pinching with your fingers while recording audio.



More information on Educreations

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Tools 4 Students

Available in the App Store


For just $.99, this app can be a great addition to your classroom set of resources!   The app offers 25 templates to organize thinking.


Simply tap a shape found in the organizer and type!  The completed template can be shared by email, Dropbox, or Airprint in either the PNG format or PDF format.




Currently, the following templates are offered:

Cause and Effect 1
Cause and Effect 2
Character 1
Character 2
Compare/Contrast
Pro/Con
Drawing Conclusions
Fact/Opion
KWL
KWLW
Main Idea
Making Predictions
Problem Solving 1
Problem Solving 2
Problem/Climax/Solution
Reality/Make Believe
Reality/Fantasy
Begin, Middle, End
Sequence Events 1
Sequence Events 2
Story Elements
Summarize
Timeline
Word Meaning 1
Word Meaning 2
Tools 4 Students 2 offers 25 more templates - found inside Tools 4 Students. Click.