Has anyone used UMAJIN creative, a digital storytelling software?

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Permalink Reply by TeachingSagittarian on May 31, 2008 at 1:16am

We currently use UMAJIN in our NZ classroom (with 11-12 year olds but my 6 year old uses it at home with ease as well). It was created by two New Zealander teachers who were unhappy with the various constraints of other design software for children out there on the market.

You DO NOT have to have an interactive whiteboard to successfully use it in the classroom - it's just that it has been designed to run with an interactive whiteboard or touch screen as well IF you happen to have one in the classroom.

UMAJIN is operating on two of our desktop computers and we use it to create digital stories with a "difference". It's very easy to use and the licensed version (which is at a very reasonable cost too) comes with simple built-in tutorials which can be switched on or off. We like the fact that it's many multimedia capabilities can enhance digital stories so easily and effectively. I've seen a huge improvement in creativity!

The next step for us will be to start sharing the wonderful digital stories that have been made. I'd recommend UMAJIN without hesitation! Try it, you won't be disappointed! We love it!

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Permalink Reply by Lynn Marentette on May 31, 2008 at 6:02am

Hi-
I downloaded the demo yesterday and shared the UMAJIN website with a teacher who has just got an interactive whiteboard in her room. We were very impressed.

You can see immediately that the teachers who were involved in the design really gave some thought to what would be needed for creative teaching/learning activities.

It gets me frustrated that so many educational applications are simply electronic workbooks in disguise! This is 2008, NOT 1988. UMAJIN looks like it will make a difference.

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Permalink Reply by Gavin McLean on June 5, 2008 at 5:58pm

Hi Lynn,
I have been using Umajin and working with Russell Brebner here in New Zealand, home of "Flight of the Conchords."
Have you seen their TV show?
Umajin is a great application and really in its infancy in terms of what could be possible in the future.
I am a teacher of media, especially interested in kids as authors and creators of media, both to synthesesize knowledge and share with a learning knowledge building community, but also to document and reflect on learning. I am working with Russell here on the ground in NZ and I am happy to be your friend!
Kind Regards,
Gavin

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Permalink Reply by Lynn Marentette on June 5, 2008 at 8:15pm

Hi,

I haven't seen Flight of the Conchords, but it looks like it would be interesting. I'm surprised I never heard of UMAJIN until a week or so ago. I am always on the lookout for good software. Some of the students I work with have autism, and they learn quite a bit through digital media. I'm involved in using digital social stories with students. The link gives some examples of "story" social stories, not the digital ones, but if you read a few, you'll get the picture.

I'm interested in applications that two or more students can use for collaboration, in the same location, or with others, located remotely, using various devices and input methods.

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Permalink Reply by WK on July 1, 2008 at 1:31pm

Hi Lynn -

I have used Umajin extensively here in Texas with third grade students. They absolutely love creating digital stories that include themselves. I have been a classroom teacher for years and always found that students tell a better story when it is "their" story!

The green screen (or blue screen) capabilities of Umajin is one of my favorite features.

I have created a short 60 second video on how to utilize this feature. You can check it out by visiting my blog at www.akidemia.com .

I am very interested in creating more of these short "how-to" videos, so if you have any suggestions on features you would like to see presented in this format please comment on my blog or email me at wkk.texas@gmail.com.

Best Regards,
Whitney

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Permalink Reply by WK on July 1, 2008 at 9:07pm

Hi Lynn -

There is a Umajin Users Group on Yahoo Groups if anyone would like to join in the fun of sharing content.

If you would like an invitation to the Yahoo Group please email me at wkk.texas@gmail.com. There are already several handouts from my presentation on Dual Language Digital Storytelling at the Educational Technology conference in South Padre Island, Texas in May of 2008.

Whitney

Best Regards,
Whitney

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