WeVideo

Freemium! WeVideo allows users to create movies from its web-based platform. To do so, users must first register and then log into the website. Once logged in, users can begin making a movie by clicking the “Create New” button on their dashboard. On the next screen, users can click the “Upload Media” option to add images and videos to the movie they are creating. Once a piece of content has been uploaded, users can hover their mouse above the content and click the “Add” button to insert it into their movie. Once inserted, users can again hover their mouse over…

WeVideo allows users to create movies from its web-based platform. To do so, users must first register and then log into the website. Once logged in, users can begin making a movie by clicking the “Create New” button on their dashboard. On the next screen, users can click the “Upload Media” option to add images and videos to the movie they are creating. Once a piece of content has been uploaded, users can hover their mouse above the content and click the “Add” button to insert it into their movie. Once inserted, users can again hover their mouse over the content and choose either the “Edit” or “Effects” option. The “Edit” option lets users position their content, add text to it, and have their content shift while in frame. These features can be accessed using the different icons in the menu that appears when the “Edit” option is selected. In addition, the “Effects” option lets users choose different lenses that alter the content’s color scheme. When finished editing and adjusting the effects, users can modify the length of each piece of content from the main editing screen by dragging the arrows outward and inward that appear on the slide representing their content. On the left side of the screen, users can change the theme of their movie by clicking the “Wand” button, add background music by clicking the “Musical Note” button, and/or add a voice over by clicking the “Microphone” button. When ready to publish a final version of their movie, users can tap the “Finish” button at the top of the screen, pick a title, choose where and how they wish to save it, and then click the “Finish Video” button. WeVideo then renders the movie. When complete, users can view their movie. While viewing it, they can choose one of multiple options to download, save, and/or share their movie.

Please Note: The options included in this review are for the free version of this website. If users wish to access additional features and options, they will have to subscribe to WeVideo.

1. As an extension project to a research assignment, teachers can require students to create a movie using this website about their topic. Teachers can require a certain amount of images, slides, texts, and effects to be included in the movie. When finished, students can download their movie and then upload it to a class website.
2. When studying a topic, teachers can assign students to make a documentary about the topic using this website. Students can be required to conduct research about the topic, so their movie includes facts and opinions about the topic. To conclude their movie, students can decide upon and explain the legacy of their topic. When finished, students can share their documentary with classmates in small groups.
3. When learning a new word, students can create a video with this website that defines the word, shows images of when the word would be used, offers antonyms and synonyms for the word, and provides contextual examples of the word in a sentence. Important to this movie is that students record voiceovers of them using the word. When finished, students can post their movie to a class website. If teachers require students to create this type of movie each time new words are assigned, they will build a collection of videos over time.
4. As an icebreaker activity, teachers can have students create a movie about themselves that includes information about their hobbies, sports, interests, friends, and families. When finished, students can post their video to a class website. Teachers can follow-up this activity by having students record one interesting fact they learned from each video.
5. Teachers can assign two students a controversial topic. In response, each student can research the topic and take either a “for” or “against” stance about the topic. Students can then create a movie using this website to showcase their opinion about the topic. Classmates can then view both of the videos and vote for the video that makes the best case about the topic.