GoAnimate

GoAnimate is another Web 2.0 tool that can be used to create animated cartoon videos.  According to their site you can:
Make Amazing Animated Videos!
Use our Video Maker to create videos for free.

• Make a viral video.
• Create an animated lesson for your class.
• Make an explainer video for your project, a demo video for your business, or a training video for your class.

Signing up is free and easy.  You can create a free account using your preferred email address or log in using your Gmail or Facebook accounts.

There is a tutorial page for all kinds of tips and tricks in using GoAnimate.

From what I have seen in other classes at Loyola, GoAnimate is a great tool to make an easy and fun video to give a message or to explain how to do something.  I think kids would really enjoy this because it takes something they already like, cartoons, and adds a lesson or a message.  A lot of children's cartoons on TV today have this so why not use the same ideas in lesson plans.  This would not be a way to replace your lesson, but to supplement it.

Here are a few links that may help you get started:

• Teaching with Video
• Using GoAnimate in the Classroom
• GoAnimate Tutorial