Multimedia is generally defined as “the combination of text and pictures”, and in relation to education suggests that “learners build mental representations between words and pictures” displayed which allows for a deeper level of learning, (Sordern. 2012). Powtoon is a multimedia presentation tool that implements animations into a slideshow to engage students more deeply in the content being taught, (Edwards, 2022).
Foster Creativity:
Powtoon is one of many multimedia digital platforms that can foster creativity in a student. Teachers will push students who use Powtoon to use storytelling as an element of their presentation. Students can create a visual narrative that tells the story, thus expressing student creativity.
In a study by Hua, (2019), six students were studied on the ability to analyse and discuss a poem. The research suggests that Powtoon was able to enhance all participants understanding of poems through the multimedia of sound and animation on student cognitive ability.
The use of Powtoon boosts presentation skills. The ability to use text, images, audio, animations and videos as a multimedia project, all develop presentation skills through engaging with the audience in a unique manner.
Like many other technologies, Powtoons Cross-Curricular integration is seen in all subjects
taught, particularly Science. As seen in the video below, I have collected analysed and presented information relevant to stage 3 science outcome ST3-10ES-S, which states “explains regular events in the solar system and geological events on the Earth’s surface” (NESA, 2023).
CC by Harrison Britton
Pedagogical Critiques:
Although Powtoon is a powerful multimedia tool for expressing creativity, there are pedagogical issues that must be considered.
Students may tend to focus on design rather than content. Students should enjoy and focus on creating an appealing and aesthetically pleasing video, however, it is important to emphasize that content is learnt and ensuring accuracy is more important than the visually appealing element.
Powtoons' lack of collaboration features hinders group work and should be considered when creating projects. Teachers should take this into consideration and find the appropriate time to use Powtoon in the classroom.
Limited academic rigour might present a challenge for students as in most cases, Powtoon does not provide any complex and detailed analysis of topics. For teachers, it is highly recommended to consider all the learning outcomes needed for the lesson before starting an animation
Overall, Powtoon is a powerful multimedia tool which prompts creative thinking from students.
References:
Animation Video Factory. (2013). What is Powtoon - Find out what Powtoon is and what it can be used for. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR__WIK_yqk
Edwards, L. (2022). What is Powtoon and how can it be used for Teaching? Tips and Tricks. Tech and Learning.
Hua, T. S., & Mohamad, M. (2019). The Effects of Powtoon on Form 2 Pupils’ Understanding of Poems. Opción: Revista de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales, 35(20), 850-865.
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA, 2021). Stage 3. Science K-6.
Sorden, S. D. (2012). The cognitive theory of multimedia learning. Handbook of educational theories, 1(2012), 1-22.
The Social Guide. (2021). Powtoon Demo 2023 - How to use Powtoon for Animation Videos. Youtube.
Hi Harrison
This is a good analysis of PowToon, I like how you used subheadings for the reader to exactly know what you are trying to explore within the topic. You have added a good introduction of what multimedia and creativity is and how Powtoon is an example that can be an effective technological tool for students education. I like how you talked about the cross-curricular integration and how it links to the outcomes in the syllabus, it would have been much better to see more examples of how other parts of the syllabus or other subject syllabuses can be linked too. Your pedagogical critiques are well written as they are all linked to the limitations of this technology towards…
Hi Harrison This is an incredible analysis of Powtoon and how it can be utilised within classroom environments. You have accurately displayed its appropriateness towards achieving academic goals and including syllabus tasks through your own demonstration as well as discussed how creativity can be enhanced through the use of a variety of elements, including video and text. You have also effectively displayed how creativity can be enhanced by providing new avenues for potential with various styles of presentation. I did enjoy the pedagogical critiques that you gave created. However, I would have loved to see how different pedagogies are used to enhance students' understanding of work. Perhaps this can be done through the analysis of constructivism and the multimedia effect.
Hello Harrison,
This is a very detailed analysis of PowToon! Your blog post is well researched which is very beneficial for both teachers and future educators as your pedagogical critiques and how multimedia, like PowToon fosters creativity are very thorough which has extended my knowledge greatly. I like your attention to detail as you have explored the technology yourself and added a video you have created.
I am pleased you added specific examples of how PowToon can foster creativity in the classroom and it is great to see you added how it achieves NSW syllabus outcomes, specifically in Stage 3 science. I would have liked you to go into further detail about what activities you could do on PowToon to…
You continue to publish great blog posts, good job! I had never experienced PowToon before, so I appreciate your explanation of how it can be used in the classroom. You've clearly thought very deeply about the capabilities of the program and how it can be used to foster creativity in students.
Your limitations are very apt, and highlight what a teacher needs to inform students before beginning a project. Great job!
21/03/2023