After re-watching works such as Le Merle with my students, I wondered if there was a way to use existing software already installed on the school’s computers to create simple animated shorts.

I often show multiple examples of his work and let the students discover the rest through the National Film Board’s website. When introducing my class to basic animation, I like to start with the brilliant Canadian filmmaker and animator Norman McLaren. Long story short…they ended up making flip books.įrustrated by this first experience I re-evaluated my available resources. During that first week, I searched for outside funding, donations, rental equipment, and different software licensing options, all to no avail. Having outdated entry level software and low-resolution point and shoot cameras, I invited the students to create their storyboards and start by building their sets and characters to buy myself some time. Young and naïve as I was early in my career, I proposed an animation assignment to my media arts class. Having experimented extensively with animation in a post-secondary setting, with unfettered access to overpriced specialty software and equipment, I quickly became frustrated with the resources available to me in the context of a secondary school setting. Due to these sorts of restrictions, I often opt for browser or cloud-based software when possible. As a teacher, it can be frustrating to integrate technological tools in the classroom due to bureaucratic limitations such as restricted download access ( which includes common software updates ), software licensing costs, inadequate computer and network performance, etc.

6 best stop motion animation software