Learning Summary:



I used a tool called Puppet Pals in an attempt to make it a more engaging video with characters narrating the information rather than just me and some cool clips I found online. I thought the tool was fun to use, but a little complicated since it requires you to operate the “puppets” and narrate simultaneously. I would have liked an option to record the audio separately from the puppetry, as I ended up having to record it many, many times before getting one that was acceptable. In most takes I would either fail to get the mouth moving correctly or would end up tripping over my words after being distracted by trying to get the puppets to do something more complex. Ultimately, the movement of the puppets was pretty limited just so I could read my script and make sure the mouth was moving!


I wanted to really use this technology as a storytelling tool to convey my lesson instead of the normal dull information dump I make. This might not always be the best format for older learners, but it was a nice way to make something relatively engaging that still delivers the lesson I set out to. I strove to keep up an even pace, exercise economy to avoid overloading my viewer, and provide my own voice to the content and making it clear while still using academic language.


The video supports the learning objective by delivering research around self-control and highlighting a self-regulation strategy. The characters and tone support this by maintaining interest in the video and providing the illusion of different narrators.


The app I used was limited to an iPhone, and was not compatible with the microphone I’ve used in the past. I’m not sure the native iPhone microphone is a sufficient tool for making anything professional in the future, but it serves its purpose in this case, albeit with a little clipping.