Toontastic

Toontastic provides a unique experience which enables the student to create, record, and animate stories.  The interface is very engaging and brings smiles to children's faces.  A short guide is provided which should be read before attempting to use the program in the classroom.  Begin by clicking "create cartoon" which takes you to the "create" section where the user can create a new cartoon.  The speaker explains the "story arc" which includes the setup, conflict, challenge, climax, and resolution.  You can then draw your own scene or choose a ready-made scene. The scenes have an adventure theme with titles such as "Pirates Cove", "The Castle Gate", and "The Throne Room".  Additional themes are currently under development.  Directions are given at each step.  Characters are then added.    After the scene is created, the student is directed to animate. Characters can be moved and voices are recorded.  Music is another choice to create the mood of the story.  I have covered just a small portion of the program's capabilities.  If you are working with story arcs in the classroom, this is app is a great asset.  This can be used individually or with small groups.  It works quite well when the students discuss their ideas before beginning the animation. Completed animations can be posted online.  A wiki is being created which will allow teachers to discuss their ideas.  The address is:  http://launchpadtoys.com/classroom/wiki/

• Pros:  Creative, fun, great tool for story development, not to be missed
• Cons:  Themes are adventure-spirited which can lend themselves to several fight scenes if not directed
• Price:  $1.99 (What a bargain!)
• Update:  Toontastic has added additional characters and backgrounds.  Check out the Halloween themes. New scenes and characters have been added via in-app purchases.
• Update:  Toontastic is free beginning November 4th.  Grab it!!