Storyboard That - Detailed Review
Education Tools
Storyboard That - Product Overview
Storyboard That Overview
Storyboard That is a versatile and user-friendly digital tool primarily aimed at educators, students, and anyone looking to communicate ideas through visually engaging storyboards.
Primary Function
The primary function of Storyboard That is to enable users to create storyboards, which are visual representations of stories or ideas. This tool is particularly useful for planning and visualizing narratives, presentations, or projects before they are fully developed. It allows users to lay out scenes, characters, and other elements in a structured and aesthetically appealing way, similar to comic books but with more uniformity.
Target Audience
Storyboard That is designed for a broad audience, including teachers, students, parents, and even professionals. It is especially beneficial in educational settings, where it helps teachers communicate information in an engaging manner and allows students to express their creativity and learning in a personalized way.
Key Features
Ease of Use
The platform is simple to use, making it accessible to users of all ages and skill levels. It offers a web-based interface that can be used on various devices, both in school and at home.
Customization
Users can select from a wide range of templates, themes, backgrounds, characters, text, and props. Characters can be customized with different poses, actions, and emotions, adding depth to the storyboards.
Drag-and-Drop Interface
The tool features a drag-and-drop system for adding characters, props, and other elements to the storyboard, eliminating the need for drawing skills.
Layering and Cropping
Users can resize, layer, and crop characters and scenes to create a sense of depth and dimension in their storyboards.
Export and Sharing Options
Storyboards can be saved, exported, and shared easily, including integration with other tools like Microsoft PowerPoint.
Educational Features
For schools, there are specific plans that include features such as quick rubric integration, private comments on student storyboards, class and assignment management, and compliance with educational data protection regulations.
Community Content
With over 20 million community-created storyboards available, users can draw inspiration or use existing content to speed up their own creative process.
Conclusion
Overall, Storyboard That is a powerful and flexible tool that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication, making it an invaluable resource in both educational and professional contexts.
Storyboard That - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Storyboard That
The user interface of Storyboard That, particularly in the education sector, is crafted to be intuitive, user-friendly, and highly engaging. Here are some key aspects that highlight its ease of use and overall user experience:
Drag-and-Drop Technology
Storyboard That employs a simple drag-and-drop mechanism, making it easy for users of all ages and abilities to create storyboards. This technology allows users to select and place scenes, characters, and items into cells with minimal effort, ensuring a fun and creative experience.
Extensive Art Library
The platform boasts a vast art library, including hundreds of scenes from various locations and time periods, over 1,000 customizable characters, and thousands of items such as food, vehicles, and furniture. This extensive library is categorized and easily searchable, simplifying the process of finding the right elements for your storyboard.
Customization Options
Users can customize almost every aspect of their storyboards. Scenes can be cropped, edited to change the weather or time of day, and characters can be posed with various emotions and customized in terms of hair color, skin color, and clothing. The text editor is also comprehensive, allowing users to adjust font, size, color, and more.
Layout and Editing
The interface allows for flexible layout adjustments, such as adding or removing cells, copying or moving cells, and using advanced tools to enlarge cells or add grid lines for better composition. Users can also crop, flip, rotate, or resize art elements and manage layering to ensure characters and objects are placed correctly.
Educational Resources
Storyboard That provides a wealth of resources for teachers, including standards-aligned lesson plans, worksheets, poster and storyboard templates, and graphic organizers. These resources are designed by teachers for teachers, aiming to save time and energy while creating engaging lessons.
Subscription Options
The platform offers various subscription types, including free individual accounts with limited features, premium individual editions with full access to the art library and advanced features, and educational subscriptions tailored for teachers and schools. This flexibility ensures that users can choose the option that best fits their needs.
User-Centric Design
The interface is designed with diversity and inclusion in mind, ensuring that everyone can see themselves in the characters and scenes provided. This user-centric approach makes the tool accessible and engaging for a wide range of users.
Overall, Storyboard That’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and engaging, making it easy for both students and teachers to create meaningful visual assets without requiring extensive technical skills. The extensive customization options, vast art library, and educational resources all contribute to a positive and productive user experience.
Storyboard That - Key Features and Functionality
Storyboard That Overview
Storyboard That is a versatile and user-friendly digital tool that facilitates visual and digital storytelling, particularly in educational settings. Here are the main features and how they work:
Drag-and-Drop Interface
Storyboard That offers a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to easily add characters, props, and other elements to their storyboards. This feature is highly intuitive, making it accessible for students and teachers of all skill levels.
Customizable Characters and Objects
Users can customize characters by changing their colors, poses, and expressions. The platform includes “poseable” characters that can be adjusted using various buttons to alter arm and leg positions, head tilt, and facial expressions. This customization helps in adding emotional depth and visual engagement to the storyboards.
Multiple Layout Options
Storyboard That provides several layout options, including traditional storyboards, T-Charts, Grids, Frayer Models, Timelines, and Spider Maps. These different layouts allow users to adapt their storyboards to various educational needs, such as comparisons, timelines, or mind maps.
Text and Speech Bubbles
Users can add text, speech bubbles, titles, and descriptions to their storyboards. This feature helps in conveying the narrative and dialogue effectively.
Image Library and Uploads
The platform has an extensive database of images that users can search and add to their storyboards. Premium users can also upload their own images in various formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WMF, and SVG).
Integration and Sharing
Storyboard That integrates well with other educational tools and platforms. Users can save projects, export them in various formats, and even import rosters from Google Classroom or Clever. This integration facilitates easy sharing and collaboration.
Educational Resources
The tool offers a range of educational resources, including guided notes, infographics, bell ringers, exit tickets, and anchor charts. Teachers can create and assign these resources directly from the dashboard, which helps in streamlining classroom activities.
Privacy and Compliance
Storyboard That ensures classroom privacy and compliance with educational standards such as FERPA, CCPA, COPPA, and GDPR. This ensures that student data is protected and managed securely.
AI Integration
While Storyboard That does not explicitly integrate AI in the same way as some other tools (like Boords or LTX Studio), it does offer a highly automated and user-friendly interface that simplifies the storytelling process. However, it does not use AI to generate images or scenes automatically.
Pricing and Plans
Storyboard That offers various pricing plans, including a Personal plan starting at $7.99 annually and Teacher plans starting at $8.99 per month. These plans provide different levels of access to features, with the Teacher plan including additional tools like quick rubric integration and private comments on student work.
Conclusion
In summary, Storyboard That is a powerful tool for creating engaging storyboards in an educational context, with a focus on ease of use, customization, and integration with other educational tools, but it does not currently incorporate AI for generating images or scenes.
Storyboard That - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Storyboard That
Storyboard That is a digital storytelling tool that has demonstrated significant performance in the education sector, particularly in enhancing student engagement, performance, and comprehension.Engagement
Storyboard That has been praised by educators for its ability to engage students of diverse learning needs and styles. It allows students to create visual stories using customizable characters, backgrounds, and props, which can be particularly appealing for students who may not be as inclined towards traditional writing methods. Teachers have reported high levels of student engagement, with some noting that students were eager to continue working on their storyboards even outside of class hours.Comprehension and Performance
The tool has shown promising results in improving student comprehension and performance. For instance, one teacher reported that regular use of Storyboard That helped close the Lexile measure gap by an average of two grade levels among her students. It also helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by breaking down complex ideas into manageable parts through the creation of graphic organizers, Frayer Models, and timelines.Accuracy and Factual Representation
Storyboard That’s effectiveness is supported by research and user feedback. The tool meets the criteria for Level 4 Evidence under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), indicating that it is backed by rigorous research and has shown positive impacts on student outcomes. This includes improvements in literacy knowledge, critical thinking skills, and media and digital literacy.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Accessibility and Equity
One of the assumptions underlying the effective use of Storyboard That is that students have equitable access to digital devices and internet connections. This can be a limitation in classrooms where such resources are scarce.Teacher Support and Training
While the tool is user-friendly, teachers need time to explore the Storyboard Creator and support materials. Ensuring that teachers have adequate training and support can be crucial for maximizing the tool’s benefits.Feedback and Revision
To ensure the highest quality of storyboards, it is important for students to receive feedback. However, the process of getting feedback and making revisions can be time-consuming. Implementing efficient feedback mechanisms within the platform could enhance this aspect.Customization and Detail
While Storyboard That offers a wide range of templates and customization options, some users might find that getting too caught up in details can detract from the overall story. Best practices suggest keeping drawings simple and clear, and focusing on key information to avoid this pitfall.Conclusion
Storyboard That is a highly effective tool in the education sector, particularly in enhancing engagement, comprehension, and performance. Its research-backed design and user-friendly interface make it a valuable asset for educators. However, ensuring equitable access to digital resources, providing adequate teacher training, and streamlining feedback processes are areas that could be improved to further enhance its impact. Storyboard That - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Plans for Educational Use
Free Individual Account
- This account is intended for casual use and is free.
- Users can create two storyboards per week in the classic storyboard layout with up to three cells.
- Features include limited art and layouts, watermarks on downloads, and basic print options.
Single Teacher Pricing
- This plan is suitable for a single teacher with up to 10 students.
- The cost is based on the number of students, but it is often more affordable than other plans.
- For example, if you have up to 10 students, this plan allows you and your students to access Storyboard That with all the benefits of the educational subscription.
School/District Pricing
- This plan is based on the number of students or teachers, whichever is less expensive.
- If paying by the number of students, the cost is $3.49 per student per year.
- If paying by the number of teachers, the cost is $149.99 per teacher per year.
- For instance, if a school wants 5 teachers and 300 students to use Storyboard That, they would pay $749.95 for the year because it is cheaper than paying by student count.
- There is a minimum requirement of 100 students and 2 teachers for this pricing.
Multi-Teacher License
- This plan is for schools with multiple teachers and can include unlimited students.
- The cost is based on the number of teachers, and it provides all the features of the education edition.
Education Edition Features
- Access to the entire art library.
- Advanced layouts and privacy options.
- Storyboards with up to 100 cells.
- More printing options and no watermarks.
- Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Schoology, D2L – Brightspace, and Buzz LMS.
Premium Individual Edition
- For those who need more than the free account offers, this plan provides unlimited storyboards, access to the entire art library, advanced layouts, and more printing options without watermarks.
- This is not specifically an education plan but can be used by individuals who need more features than the free account.
Custom Quotes
- For schools or districts that do not fit into the standard pricing models, you can contact Storyboard That for a custom quote. This allows flexibility if you do not want to purchase for a full calendar year.
Summary
Storyboard That offers flexible pricing plans that cater to different educational needs, from single teachers to entire schools and districts, along with a free option for casual users.
Storyboard That - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Seamless Integration
Storyboard That seamlessly integrates with several Learning Management Systems, making it a valuable tool for educators. It supports integration with platforms like Schoology, D2L Brightspace, and Buzz LMS.Adding Storyboard That to Schoology
For example, to add Storyboard That as an app in Schoology, you simply need to search for it in the Schoology app center, ensure you’re installing the LTI 1.3 version, and follow the installation steps to link your Storyboard That account to your Schoology account.Compatibility with Browsers and Devices
Browser Compatibility
Storyboard That is compatible with the current and previous two releases of major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This ensures that users can access the tool from a variety of devices without worrying about browser compatibility.Device Support
Optimal Devices
The tool runs best on computer-like devices such as laptops, Microsoft Surfaces, Chromebooks, PC desktops, and Macs.Tablet Use
While it can also be used on tablets like iPads, the experience is significantly improved with the addition of a keyboard. However, it is not recommended to use Storyboard That on phones or iPods for creating storyboards, although these devices are suitable for viewing already created storyboards.Export and Sharing Options
Export Formats
Storyboard That allows users to export their storyboards in various formats, including PDF, high-resolution images, and slide presentations.Sharing Flexibility
It also supports sharing storyboards via links, embedding them on websites, or sharing them on social media. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate the storyboards into other projects or presentations.General Use Across Platforms
Web-Based Accessibility
The web-based nature of Storyboard That means it is widely available and accessible from any device with a dedicated keyboard and screen, making it a versatile tool for both educational and personal use.Features and Functionality
It supports drag-and-drop items, customizable characters, and multiple layers, which can be used in a variety of contexts beyond just education, such as in production and creative projects.Conclusion
In summary, Storyboard That is well-integrated with various educational tools and has a wide range of compatibility, making it a versatile and accessible tool for creating and sharing storyboards across different platforms and devices. Storyboard That - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any queries or issues, users can reach out to Storyboard That through several channels:
Email Support
You can contact the support team directly at support@storyboardthat.com for assistance with any questions or problems.
Phone Support
They are available at 1-617-607-4259 during working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM US Eastern time.
Fax
For less urgent matters, you can also use the fax number 1-857-345-8027.
Help Center
The Help Center is a valuable resource that answers frequently asked questions, covering topics such as account settings, logging in, and using the storyboard creator. It also provides guidance on how to access save or revision history, enable spell check, and more.
Educational Articles and Resources
Storyboard That provides a wealth of educational articles and resources to support teachers:
Educational Articles
These articles, written by former teachers, cover a wide range of topics including classroom management, using graphic organizers, social emotional learning, critical thinking, and world religions. They are designed to inspire and help teachers create engaging lesson plans.
Lesson Plans and Activities
The platform offers extensive lesson plans and activities for various subjects and grade levels, including K-5 and 6-12 ELA lesson plans. These resources include activities, rubrics, standards, and templates that can be easily copied and customized.
Worksheets and Posters
Storyboard That offers customizable worksheet and poster templates, which can be used for a variety of educational purposes such as math, reading, award certificates, and daily schedules.
Remote Learning Resources
There are specific resources available for remote learning, including digital citizenship materials and integration guides for platforms like Google Classroom, Clever, and Canvas.
Additional Tools and Features
Storyboard Creator
The platform allows users to create storyboards with various features such as adding characters, editing images, and using different layouts. It also includes a Book Maker feature to turn storyboards into page-turning books.
Real-Time Collaboration
Teachers and students can collaborate in real-time, making it easier to work on projects together.
Universal Design for Learning
Resources are available to help teachers implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in their classrooms.
Special Resources for Different Needs
Homeschool Resources
There are specific resources and activities designed for homeschooling, including creating education worksheets and social stories.
Special Education
The platform provides resources that cater to special education needs, such as picture scenes for speech therapy.
By leveraging these support options and resources, educators can effectively integrate Storyboard That into their teaching practices, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes for their students.
Storyboard That - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Storyboard That
Storyboard That offers several significant advantages, particularly in the education sector:User-Friendly Interface
Storyboard That uses a simple drag-and-drop technology, making it easy and fun for users of all ages and abilities to create storyboards, graphic organizers, comics, and other visual assets.Extensive Art Library
The platform boasts a huge art library with hundreds of scenes from various settings, including towns, cities, schools, historical places, and futuristic locales. It also features over 1,000 customizable characters from different eras and cultures, ensuring diversity and inclusion.Customization and Flexibility
Users can change colors, poses, weather, and more in their scenes and characters. The tool also includes a variety of speech bubbles, banners, shapes, and text boxes to add dialogue and descriptions. This flexibility allows for a wide range of creative expressions.Educational Resources
Storyboard That provides over 3,000 resources for teachers, including standards-aligned lesson plans, worksheets, poster and storyboard templates, and graphic organizers. These resources are designed to save teachers time and energy while creating engaging lessons.Integration and Export Options
The platform integrates seamlessly with other tools like Google Classroom and Clever, allowing easy rostering and class management. Users can export their work in various formats, including presentations, videos, and PDFs, making it versatile for different educational needs.Differentiated Learning
Storyboard That supports differentiated learning by offering templates that can be customized to provide varying levels of difficulty. This allows students to work visually if needed and accommodates different learning styles and abilities.Community and Support
With millions of community-created storyboards available, users can draw inspiration or use pre-made content. The platform also offers extensive support through tutorials, lesson plans, and customer service.Disadvantages of Storyboard That
While Storyboard That is highly praised, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:Cost
While there are free versions and trial options, the full features of Storyboard That require a subscription. The personal plan starts at $7.99 annually, and teacher plans start at $8.99 per month, which might be a barrier for some users or schools with limited budgets.Dependence on Technology
The platform is web-based, which means users need reliable internet access to use it. This could be a challenge in areas with poor internet connectivity or for students without access to devices at home.Limited Originality in Pre-Made Content
While the extensive library of pre-made content is a significant advantage, some users might find that relying on these resources limits their originality. However, the platform does offer the option to upload personal photos and create custom content. Overall, Storyboard That is a versatile and powerful tool that enhances visual and digital storytelling in education, offering numerous benefits with a few manageable drawbacks. Storyboard That - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Storyboard That with Other Education Tools
When comparing Storyboard That with other education tools in the storyboarding and visual learning category, several key features and differences stand out.
Unique Features of Storyboard That
- User-Friendly Interface: Storyboard That is known for its simple and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users of all ages and skill levels, including children and less tech-savvy individuals.
- Customization Options: The platform offers a wide range of templates, themes, backgrounds, characters, text, and props, allowing for extensive customization and personalization of storyboards. Users can also upload their own images to enhance their projects.
- Educational and Business Plans: Storyboard That provides specific plans for educational and business use, with pricing scaled to the number of users. This includes collaborative features for classrooms and robust security options for businesses.
- Special Effects and Editing: The tool includes various special effects such as filters (Grayscale, Sepia, Pencil, etc.), cropping, and resizing capabilities to enhance the visual appeal of storyboards.
Potential Alternatives
GoAnimate (now known as Vyond)
- Key Difference: Vyond is more focused on video animation and has a broader range of animation styles and characters. It is particularly useful for creating animated videos rather than static storyboards.
- Features: Vyond offers more advanced animation features, including character animations, voiceovers, and music integration, which might be more suitable for those needing dynamic video content.
Powtoon
- Key Difference: Powtoon is another video-focused platform that allows users to create animated presentations and videos. It has a more extensive library of templates and animation styles.
- Features: Powtoon is ideal for creating engaging video content with a variety of templates, characters, and animation options. It is more geared towards presentations and marketing videos rather than static storyboards.
Canva
- Key Difference: Canva is a more general graphic design tool that can be used for a wide range of visual content, including storyboards, but it lacks the specific storyboarding features of Storyboard That.
- Features: Canva offers a vast array of design templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and a user-friendly interface. While it can be used for storyboarding, it does not have the specialized features and educational/business plans that Storyboard That provides.
Engagement and Use Cases
Storyboard That stands out for its ability to engage students and enhance their learning experience through visual storytelling. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and communication by allowing students to take control of their learning projects and express their ideas in a unique and personalized way.
For businesses, Storyboard That is useful for educating employees, workshoping new ideas, and presenting concepts to clients or investors. Its collaborative features and presentation-ready outputs make it a valuable tool for corporate communication.
In summary, while alternatives like Vyond, Powtoon, and Canva offer different strengths, Storyboard That’s unique blend of ease of use, extensive customization options, and specialized plans for education and business make it a compelling choice for those looking to create engaging storyboards.
Storyboard That - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Storyboard That, along with detailed responses to each:
How does Storyboard That work?
Storyboard That is a web-based platform that uses a simple drag-and-drop technology to create storyboards, graphic organizers, comics, and other visual assets. Users can select from a vast library of scenes, characters, and items, and customize them easily. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for people of all ages and skill levels.
What kind of assets and templates are available on Storyboard That?
Storyboard That offers a wide range of templates and assets, including hundreds of scenes from various locations and time periods, over 1,000 customizable characters, and thousands of items such as food, vehicles, and furniture. Users can also access photographs from “Photos for Class” to enhance their storyboards. Additionally, there are various speech bubbles, banners, shapes, and text boxes available.
Can I collaborate with others on Storyboard That?
Yes, Storyboard That provides collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on the same storyboard simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for teams or classrooms working on a project together.
What are the payment options for Storyboard That?
Storyboard That offers flexible payment options, including monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions. You do not have to purchase a full year in advance; the minimum duration is one month. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and your access to premium features will last until the end of your paid period.
Can I save and revise my storyboards on Storyboard That?
Yes, you can save your storyboards in the Storyboard That library for future reference or editing. The platform also allows you to access the revision or save history of your storyboards, enabling you to revert to previous versions if needed.
How do I export or share my storyboards?
Storyboard That allows you to export your storyboards for use in other tools, such as Microsoft PowerPoint. You can also share your storyboards with others, and there are options to turn your storyboards into page-turning books using the Book Maker feature.
Does Storyboard That support spell check and other text features?
Yes, Storyboard That includes a spell check feature that highlights misspelled words in English text. Additionally, you can use free-form text boxes to add descriptions and headers to your storyboards.
Can I use Storyboard That with Google Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Yes, Storyboard That supports Google Single Sign-On. However, administrators must mark Storyboard That as a trusted app in Google to ensure continued access for students, teachers, and administrators.
Are there any special promotions or discounts available for educators?
Yes, Storyboard That occasionally offers special promotions for educators. For example, there have been promotions where teachers can get the Premium version of Storyboard That Education Edition for just $1 for one month.
How do I get started with Storyboard That?
To get started, you can sign up for an account on the Storyboard That website. There are free versions and trial options available, as well as affordable plans. The platform is web-based, making it accessible on various devices, both in school and at home.
Storyboard That - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Storyboard That in the Education Tools Category
Storyboard That is a versatile and user-friendly digital storytelling tool that offers a wide range of benefits, particularly in the education sector. Here’s a comprehensive look at who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.
User-Friendly Interface and Accessibility
Storyboard That boasts an intuitive interface that makes it accessible to users of all skill levels. This is particularly beneficial for educators and students, as it allows them to create visual stories and presentations with ease, regardless of their technical proficiency.
Educational Benefits
Educators have reported significant success with Storyboard That in enhancing student engagement, performance, and comprehension. It is especially effective for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with autism or auditory processing disorders. The tool helps students visualize and organize plot sequences, improving their comprehension and participation in class discussions.
Customization and Creativity
Storyboard That offers a vast array of templates, characters, backgrounds, and props that can be customized to fit various educational subjects, including history, social studies, language arts, and science. This flexibility encourages creativity and personal expression among students, allowing them to showcase their ideas and personalities through visually appealing presentations.
Collaboration and Engagement
The tool includes collaboration features that enable multiple users to work on the same storyboard, fostering teamwork and communication among students. This collaborative aspect is particularly useful for group projects and helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Support for Diverse Learners
Storyboard That is highly beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs) as it provides visual aids that help in understanding concepts and improving comprehension. The use of images, captions, and speech bubbles aids in vocabulary development and language skills.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Educators and students have shared positive experiences with Storyboard That, highlighting its ability to make school assignments more engaging and enjoyable. It has been credited with improving student excitement, participation, and creativity in the classroom.
Recommendation
Given its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and the significant educational benefits it offers, Storyboard That is highly recommended for educators and students. It is an excellent tool for enhancing engagement, improving comprehension, and fostering creativity in the learning process. Whether you are teaching in a special education setting, a general education classroom, or working with ELLs, Storyboard That provides a valuable resource that can be adapted to various educational needs.
In summary, Storyboard That is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make learning more engaging, interactive, and visually appealing. Its versatility and ease of use make it an excellent addition to any educational setting.