Monday, March 31, 2014

AniMoby Android Update Improves App Performance


The makers of AniMoby Interactive Whiteboard released an updated version for Android tablets that drastically improves user experience and overall app functionality. 

Those who already have AniMoby for their Android tablet do not need to download the app again; the update should occur automatically. 


Enhanced Sound Quality


Apart from standard bug corrections, the most noticeable change for users will be the enhanced audio performance. Previously, the audio quality of animations produced by Android tablets suffered from a noticeable amount of sound interference. 

"Before, though audio interference typically remained slight enough so that all voices during animations could be well-heard, the user experience may have been disrupted by the bad sound quality," said Kaio Soares, AniMoby's head Android developer. "With the latest version, sound quality is at a more optimal level, which should definitely lead to a better experience for the user."


Sharing Capabilities


AniMoby also enhanced social media sharing capabilities. AniMoby users can now share their projects to Facebook from within the app. 

This sharing process is simple; while working on an AniMoby project, users must click on the share icon at the top left hand corner of the screen (shown below) and choose the option to publish on Facebook. 



At this point, a prompt will appear that provides two options - to publish the AniMoby file on Facebook as a project or as an image


Sharing as a Project


Publishing on Facebook as a project will place on the newsfeed a small photo, short description of the project, and link to the AniMoby website to view the complete project. This is preferable for projects that include multiple slides or recorded animations, as these types of projects cannot be viewed in their entirety on Facebook - thus sharing simply the link is the best option.

Below is an example of an AniMoby file published on the Facebook newsfeed as a project:





Sharing as an Image


When publishing as an image, the AniMoby project will appear on the Facebook newsfeed in large photo format without a link. This is the best option for sharing AniMoby projects that include just one slide. 

Below is an example of a project posted as an image. Notice the large photo, which requires no link to the AniMoby website to view in-full:



Import Options


In addition to these new options, users can now import PDFs from their Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive accounts, and images can be imported from the Google Drive.

All of the updates mentioned are for the version of AniMoby compatible for Android Tablets. However, AniMoby is also available for iPads and iPhones. Click on the links to download.

Stayed tuned to the blog, as more AniMoby updates are planned for the days to come...

Saturday, March 22, 2014

AniMoby Widely Used Among "Flipped" Educators


The interactive whiteboard app AniMoby has grown to become one of the most relied-on technology tools for teachers practicing flipped education methods.

A sizable number of websites have already lauded AniMoby for its benefits to a flipped learning environment, and AniMoby has recently seen an increase in the number of lessons its users are creating for outside the classroom purposes. 

"AniMoby really makes class flipping easy, as it gives teachers a platform to make video lessons nearly effortlessly," said Fernando Koyanagi, CEO of Appsis Tecnologia, the founders of AniMoby. "With no rendering time and quick uploading time, these lessons are also very easy for students to view."

One of the most popular education trends in the past few years is the flipped method; a learning style that "flips" conventional classroom practices. The method uses the word "flip" in its title because the traditional format is flipped - what was considered homework before is accomplished in the classroom with help from the teacher, and typical class lessons are now viewed at home, with help from programs such as AniMoby.

When compared to conventional pedalogical formats, many educators claim the flipped method is a more effective teaching strategy that results in both higher test scores and course passing rates. 

AniMoby (for iPadsAndroid tablets, and iPhones) is "flip-friendly" due to its ability to create recorded animations with use of voice and design (paint, draw, text, photo insertion, etc.) features simultaneously. Teachers can use these features to create lessons that can be saved on the "cloud" and viewed on AniMoby's website anytime/anywhere from any device with internet.

"With the AniMoby app, teachers can also import Powerpoint presentations or create their own slideshows within the app - and add voice to these presentations, which is great for sending over the web when a live meeting cannot take place," added Koyanagi. "Teachers and students can also communicate within the application through use of our comment section, much like the comment section featured in the space below a video on Facebook or YouTube."

Using AniMoby for iPad or an Android tablet, if a student does not understand the material shown on an AniMoby-produced class lesson, they can record an animation with their question and attach it to the original file produced by the teacher. The student can send the file back to the teacher, giving the teacher the opportunity to record and attach their answer.

"We call this the question-and-answer feature, and we made it possible to make learning that occurs outside of school a more effective process," said Koyanagi. "But it has proven to fit perfectly with the aim of class flipping."

To view two examples of flipped lessons performed with the AniMoby app, click on the links below.