Introduction

Powtoon is a web application that a person can use to create live videos for various purposes. In educational settings, Powtoon is useful in stimulating communication, supporting educators to teach with ease, and helping learners to acquire knowledge most simply.

• As an educator, I can use Powtoon to create introductory videos, introducing myself and the course to my students.
• I can create samples of course assignments or course projects (for Groups), using animated videos to show my students the important components of next classes or upcoming exams, quizzes, tests, etc.
• I can create basic lecture topics by showing the key components of the topics to be discussed.
• I can present a guest speaker using Powtoon features to display a photo of the person and give a brief background of the person.

 Subject area

Since Powtoon is a presentation software, it is good for every subject. You can use it to present/illustrate what you would like your audience to see in person. What you need to do is produce your message using slides and incorporating animation with the available Powtoon features.

Education Level

AS Powtoon is a live presentation software, educators can establish and run digital engaging classes with their students at all levels.

Features

Powtoon’s subscription offers a powerful video production tool used to create visual tutorials for learners and customers, make various kinds of videotapes, create YouTube advertising videos, create artifact videos, organize virtual presentations, produce live videos, promoter videos, and cartoon-style videos.

Pros of Powtoon

• Its attribute of animation software provides the effortlessness of producing excellent videotapes.
• The different animation properties and templates of Powtoon make it easier for users to create presentations and live videos.
• Its attribute of a large media library makes it easier for users to make live video productions.

Cons of Powtoon  

• You will need to make some purchases such as Pro-Plan and Starter-Plan before you can be allowed to export your videos and store them in MP3 format. If you do not know about these arrangements before you start your video creation, you can be discouraged.
• It is challenging and time-consuming to attach videos in succession and upload images. If files are not stored chronologically, it is always tough to access and keep track of them.
• The highest videotape quality is not exceptionally great, as the media files have a limited variation of topics.

Live Production

The benefit of animation resources that Powtoon offers supports users in producing live videos. Users can exhibit graphical and simulated materials to demonstrate their info to their audiences. Animated visuals are very powerful in conveying a clear and direct meaningful message to viewers.

Education

In education, Powtoon is used for tutorials in teaching how to capture live events and presentations. It also gives info through the video tutorial about the importance and the uses of products and services.

For teachers

Educators use it to produce live lecture videos to discuss the course objectives, to feature orientation and training processes, and for the entire lecture presentation. Powtoon offers live learning experiences for students of all ages and abilities.

For Students

Students use this tool as they carry out research projects and generate final reports. Presentation sessions are a crucial part of their group projects. Powtoon helps students develop their projects and share them with their instructor for editing and evaluation.  It has an editing feature.

Class Activities

Activity #1: Powtoon can be integrated in classroom teaching for collaborative projects for students, such as group work presentation and pooled creativity. For example, what they will do is to go to the Powtoon.com site and sign up for free. Open the webpage and click on new button. There are many templates available. Users are allowed to use them free, choose whichever one you need and start creating. One person will start and then share or invite others to join.

Activity #2: It can be used for digital storytelling to enhance inspiration in student learning. For example: Students can use Powtoon for storytelling. What they should do is to open the Powtoon.com webpage and sign/create an account. They can choose a template or start from the scratch by selecting a blank template. Introduce the characters, select “Text” button and type in their story, select or embed animations. When they are done, they can share with the share link, copy link, or download.

Relationship between Powtoon and Computer-Supported Learning Theories

Because Powtoon has a feature of group collaboration, this attribute empowers the group to connect and participate in their project work. This supports engagement and innovative experience.

 

References

FauZiah et al (2021). Teaching Media “Powtoon” to Assist Students’ Writing Narrative Text.

Anwariningsih, S. H., & Sri Ernawati (2013). Development of interactive media for ictlearning at elementary school based on student self-learning.  Journal of Education and Learning. Vol.7 (2) pp. 121-128.

Sarkar, N., Ford, W. and Manzo, C. (2015). Engaging Students with Technology in an Asynchronous Learning Environment. In Proceedings of E-Learn: World Conference.