Nawmal is a video creation tool that can be used in education to enhance multimedia communications by allowing educators and students to access animations.
The company offers this tool as a means to help elearning with the creative freedom that animation offers. Nawmals are the characters you can use and it is their ability to express emotions that is a big part of why this is offered as a way to help with SEL and other areas.
According to Nawmal, there are millions of people who use the tool to create and share videos. So, could it benefit your classroom? This guide aims to lay out everything you need to know about Nawmal and show you how it might be useful to you.
What is Nawmal?
namal is an animation creation tool that allows users to create videos with digital characters that can be used in scenes.
Nawmal offers text-to-speech, so it can be a useful way to animate the written word in a way that is more engaging for students. Since you have a variety of language options, it could also be a useful way to communicate a message to a mixed class of language speakers.
This keeps things relatively simple, so anyone can start using the tool without needing any prior experience. As such, this is useful for educators and can also be used by students of a wide range of ages.
Use this as an SEL tool but also as a way to communicate messages in class or for students to pick up at home, since sharing videos is easy to do.
How does Nawmal work?
Nawmal is a software tool that works on Windows PC after downloading and installing it, so it can be used offline. Once you sign up or try the free seven-day option, you can start creating videos.
Nawmal starts with a video that offers guidance and can be edited itself, a bit like a template. Then you have the option to also create your own videos from scratch. There are over 250 Nawmals available to work with, as well as a variety of sets and audio to use with the videos.
Once you've created a video, enter a written speech to vocally animate the characters. You can select the language you want to print with availability including English, Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish. That also makes it a viable tool for teaching foreign languages.
Once this is done, you can choose camera angles, select the included audio or record and add your own, and then save the finished version. This is stored locally so it can be edited offline on the machine that has the software installed.
What are the best features of Nawmal?
Nawmal is easy to use as it is designed for total beginners. This means everything is relatively minimalist, but the end result can look impressive depending on how creative you are.
Nawmal is stored offline, so if you want to share it with the class digitally, you will first need to upload it, either to a shared drive or to YouTube, and then share it as a link.
The ability to create a talking avatar character can offer a great way for less confident students, or those who need assistive technology, to express themselves in a meaningful way.
A selection of character collections and sets are available that can be used to suit whatever theme or theme you are communicating. This can offer a decent level of coherence for students, helping them return to topics more easily as they recognize the digital space or characters from previous learning.
Characters include robots, historical figures, animals, superheroes, presidents and more. Sets include the moon, a holodeck, historical sites, laboratories and more.
How much does Nawmal cost?
Nawmal is initially free for a seven day trial then you will have to pay for the software.
Even though this is software that you download and install on your machine, it requires an ongoing subscription to continue using it. This has prices starting at $166 per month; If paid annually, it is $1,995 per year.
An option is available to vary this price according to your needs, so that the company asks you to complete an inquiry form with what you need before responding to you with a final price.
Nawmal's best tips and tricks.
To teach languages
Language selection allows you to teach between different languages in a virtual setting or have students create answers as part of their homework.
Use for SEL
Have students create videos showing emotional attunement to share privately with the teacher or class.
Digital sharing
Use a YouTube channel to upload videos so you can easily share and view them from anywhere, even for students to share with you too.
