Audacity

Audacity is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds.

This is another programme we explored whilst working with animation. Audacity can be used to record voices and narration, and you then manipulate the voices using options such as 'change pitch' and 'change tempo'. I think I will find this software useful when creating my own animation as I will need narration and character voices.

'A truth whispered among animatiors is that 70% of a show's impact comes from the soundtrack' 

Michel Dougherty

I agree, without dramatic music in tense times during a film, the emotion wouldn't be experienced as much as just watching a film with no music. Soundtracks help set a scene. Creates mood and atmosphere.

Different types of sound:

Music

Voices

Sound effects

Senses:

Hear

Watch

Feel (Emotionally)

Play to cure : The Cancer Research Game

Just came across this game whilst browsing online. This a cause very close to my heart and I thought it was quite interesting considering we have been talking about gaming and education, and this incorporates both.

Description from the Cancer Research website: 

Play to Cure™: Genes in Space is the world’s first free mobile game that uses the collective force of players to analyse real genetic data and help beat cancer sooner.

The game

The mission of Genes in Space is to collect a fictional substance dubbed Element Alpha. This represents genetic cancer data, which might underpin certain types of cancer.

As a recruit of the game's 'Bifrost Industries', your mission is to collect the valuable and tradable substance Element Alpha and rise through the employee ranks by:

• Mapping your route through the densest areas of Element Alpha.
• Following your route as you fly through space collecting as much Element Alpha as you can, destroying asteroids along the way.
• Avoiding and shooting asteroids to get to the next level of Element Alpha collection.
• Upgrading your ship to become more powerful and trading your Element Alpha for more points.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/play-to-cure-genes-in-space?utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_name=online_retail&utm_content=www.facebook.com

ZU3D Stop Motion Animation - Using our own materials

We created a stop motion animation again today but this time using our own materials. We used a webcam linked to the computer, a backdrop, and various props found in the classroom. 

It was interesting to use this software with a webcam as we have never done this before. Stop motion animation is time consuming and it took a great deal of time to create just a small section of film, but it is very effective and I do like the end result.

This is our backgroup and props for our animation titled 'One man and his goat'. 

Lesson Planning / Educational Gaming Day

We had a games day in university, where we were able to try different games consoles and see for ourselves how educational these games can be. We used computers, Xbox's, Wii's, Ipads, and Lenovo All in One Touchscreen PC. On each console there was a different game and it was interesting to see the difference between both console and educational purpose. I particular found the Xbox connect a good way of learning, although it could be developed to have a game with more educational purpose, I think it would allow the student to be psychically active whilst learning and therefore hold their attention longer. The Xbox Connect also allows you to either play alone or with a friend, so both independent learning and teamwork can be incorporated. This is a brief lesson plan created to show how an Xbox can support learning. 

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective:

To be able to work both individually and as a team and communicate well with each other. 

Key Skills:

Communication and Teamwork.

Outcomes:

Improvement of communication skills

Confidence to work both in a team and alone

Animation

The last animation I watched was The Lion King. This is my favourite disney film of all time.