<p>An easy way to create a digital story is to use a web tool called Animoto. Currently, Animoto offers an option where the instructor can register for an Animoto for Education Account. Its powerful features can be used to create stunning presentations incorporating images, video clips, music and text. </p><p>Signing up provides the instructor with a FREE 6 months of Animoto Plus subscription. The subscription allows up to 50 students and colleagues. The instructor is given a Promo code in email and expires 6 months from the Animoto account approval date. Once the code has expired, instructors must resubmit their application.</p><p>Instructors, follow these steps to get started! 1. http://animoto.com/education Click on “Apply Now” On the sign-up page, type in your University email address and create a password.</p><p>2. Fill in the registration page. Use your university email address, and type in https://www.wilmu.edu for the “Class website/blog” field.</p><p>3. Go to your email and get your activation code. Share with students.</p><p>Wilmington University Created 2012 1 Share these directions with students: Go to: https://animoto.com/sign_up  Students - SIGN UP using my educator promo code.  Follow directions below.  Use my promo code highlighted below. 1. Select Plus Account (don't worry; the code is like a coupon that will give you free access.) 2. Type in your email address. 3. Type in your name. 4. Type in your own created password, and repeat password to confirm. 5. Click the down arrow next to "Do you have a promo code? 6. Type in my Code = a4eyous24ecfc(Using this code qualifies you to make longer stories. You can use this code only for yourself, since I have only enough coupons for students in my classes.) 7. Click Sign-Up.</p><p>Then create a video.  Select your theme  Upload images  Select music  Add text  Produce  Share the URL ***The first time you play a video, it might sound broken up and chunky as it streams to your player. The second time you play the video, the memory stores some of the cache and it plays smoother.</p><p>A digital story is a project that combines images, transition and sound (music and voice). "Visual, interactive learning gets results. Students today have become accustomed to using technology in every facet of their lives and this has affected the way students learn. Today's students use digital tools to get information, solve problems and communicate. </p><p> Designing a digital story involves a theme- make sure your theme is educational!  CRITERIA: Provide personal introduction, highlight a book, share news, make a digital story about your town, state, country, culture, space, animal, famous person, history, holiday, season, school subjects, museums, interesting places, communities. o Free Repository for Pictures: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/ o Index of copyright free images and sound to use in multimedia projects and webpages: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources o Copyright free media: http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic98.htm Wilmington University Educational Technology 2 o My very favorite place to find royalty and copyright free music: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/  After making your digital story, please post the URL in Week 5's Discussion Board. (or students may post the URL in a Blog or Wiki.)</p><p>Wilmington University Educational Technology 3</p>