Way back in March, I attended the ITIG DigiCamp (and blogged about it here, here, and here), and saw a tool I decided to try in my information literacy class this spring.
Jason Soohoo from the Salem State College Library showed us how he uses Xtranormal videos in his LibGuides to get students’ attention and to promote the services he offers. While I couldn’t quite see using it the same way myself, it occured to me that it might be a great alternative to the brief presentations my students were creating as part of the course. I told students that they could do a traditional PowerPoint or Keynote presentation, or they could create a skit in Xtranormal.
About a third of the class opted for this format, and those who used it told me they enjoyed learning a different tool that resulted in a more engaging presentation. A few students who didn’t use Xtranormal said they enjoyed those presentations more than the typical PowerPoints.
This time around, I offered it as an alternative, and it was pretty successful. When I teach next Spring, though, I may require pairs of students to write a script in Google Docs, then create the presentation. It’s certainly more fun for the students to view!
Have you used Xtranormal for instruction? If so, how?
Amanda Izenstark
Reference & Instructional Design Librarian
University of Rhode Island
One tip for Xtranomal is to write a short sentence. That way, it sounds less machine-y.
Great tip, Young-Joo! I’ll suggest that to my students. They are sometimes inclined to write paragraphs rather than short, succinct sentences.