GoAnimate

=**Chabli Balcom**=


 * Web 2.0 Tool:** GoAnimate
 * URL:** []

Overview of GoAnimate:
GoAnimate is a web 2.0 tool for creating animations. It is free to sign up and use. However, users can pay for GoBucks. GoBucks are the currency used on GoAnimate to pay for new characters or other special features. GoPoints, which are also offered, allow users to unlock bonus characters and other attributes. Original cartoons created through this tool can vary significantly through various backgrounds, music, voice overlays, characters, actions, and objects. Step-by-step tutorials exist to walk users through the cartoon creation process. These tutorials cover everything from basic usage to creating Star Trek characters. One tutorial shows users how to upload their own images and use these images in GoAnimate. Additionally, there are multiple channels that allow different character groups and scenarios. There is also a forum of frequently asked quesitons and a community section where users can watch or post videos. Moreover, a new feature allows users to create slide shows.

How to use GoAnimate:
GoAnimate is fairly simple to use. The site greets users with a "Sign up now" button in the middle of the screen.



1. Click on the sign up now button, and the following screen will appear.



2. Then, type in an e-mail address, a screen name, and a password. GoAnimate will automatically check to see if the user can connect with Facebook. It offers GoBucks for connecting.

3. Next, you will receive 100 free GoBucks for character creation. At this point, you can opt to go ahead and create their first character. Clicking on this option will take you to the character creation center.



4. You may also decide to wait on character creation and instead explore the tool.

5. Once you decide to create a cartoon, then a detailed tutorial will take them through the basics of GoAnimation.

**Creating a Character:**
1. Once in the character creation center (photo featured above), you can click on either a custom character shape, speacialty, or celebrity characters.

2. Clicking on a custom character shape will bring up a basic character with that body type whose face shape, facial features, skin, hair and eye color, and clothing can be altered according to preference.



3. Similarly, clicking on the specialty or celebrity character tabs will take you to a scroll through of specialty or celebrity characters. These characters can be modified and/or bought with GoBucks.



4. After all of your GoBucks are spent, that's it for creating characters at the moment. However, you can still go and begin to create your own cartoon. Here's how.

**Creating a GoAnimation:**
1. To create a cartoon, begin by clicking on the tab at the top of the page that's labeled "Create". This tab will bring you to a generic creation screen where animations, characters, and slide shows are listed as creation options.

2. Once you have clicked on the "Animation" option, you will be redirected to the animation creation center. Automatically, GoAnimate will offer you an animation tutorial which is also worth GoPoints.

3. The tutorial will lead you through all the basics of GoAnimation including backgrounds, character selection, movement, actions, speech, audio overlays, and additional scenes.

4. Subsequently, you will be prepared to create your first GoAnimation masterpiece. Additional help or questions can be answered through FAQs, Forum, or Tutorials. Links to these aids can be found in the lower right hand of the screen.



Pros:

 * GoAnimate is user-friendly with access to multiple tutorials.
 * It is free.
 * It brings the world of animation to anyone's fingertips.
 * Multiple speciality and custom options for character creation exist.
 * GoAnimate videos can be downloaded to YouTube, making them accessible to virtually anyone.
 * Links to GoAnimate videos can be added to and accessed from almost any social networking website including Twitter, Facebook, and personal websites.
 * GoAnimate videos are versatile and could be used in the classroom by students or teachers to enhance learning through multimedia.


 * Cons:**
 * The additional features such as speciality characters can cost money since GoBucks must be purchased or earned.
 * The backgrounds, objects, and original characters are limited.
 * Although characters can be modified, there are a limited number of modifications.
 * The creation process can be time-consuming.

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