Here is a very easy to use app called Green Screen by Doink. The process of green screening is to have the ability to change the backgrounds of your videos. Combine images and/or video to create one single video. I have been doing it for a few years now. Before the iPad, doing green screen effects were quite challenging and required expensive software on PCs. Now, using this app ($2.99 USD, iTunes link), you and your students will easily create fun, informative and educational videos for parents and classmates alike. By reading ahead, you will have a chance at winning a free promo code for this great app.

I recently held an iPad camp and this app was a big hit with my students (ages 6-10). Even the kids straight out of first grade were able to properly use and execute the app. Students were taught to either film a background video or create a screenshot of a Keynote slide showing off their favourite animated characters. Here is my sample background that I quickly during my lesson (notice I also showed them the excellent Instant Alpha tool on Keynote to remove the backgrounds of the images):

Then, they took turns filming in front of the blue screens (any solid colour works, just make sure their clothing is not the same colour!). You can see in the images below that my wife simply combined together two large pieces of blue fabric):

As with most apps that I recommend on this site, the possibilities are endless, and only go as far as the students' imagination does. Use even Google Earth or Maps to create images that your students can describe. Brainstorm a list of green screen ideas with your class after you show them the basics of how to do it. Once complete, students can export the videos to Camera Roll using this button:

Once saved in the Camera roll, students can then combine different video clips in iMovie. Play around with the app yourself for a while. It just takes a few minutes to get the gist of it. Basically, have your background on the bottom timeline, then add in your footage filmed in front of the green screen.

Here's a quick video tutorial by my tech consultant Jonathan Wylie (@jonathanwylie):

You can also check out some of the newer features of Green Screen by Doink in this video.

Conclusion

Green Screen by Doink is a absolutely an essential app for both teachers and students alike. It costs a mere fraction of what similar software (and cameras) would have cost even just five years ago! Definitely check this app out before the upcoming school year!

Further Reading:

The New and Improved iMovie Tutorial

Check out a post by fellow blogger Richard Wells (@iPadWells) on “Why and How to Green Screen in Class”

Richard also created this comprehensive “how-to” guide, in terms of creating a student report.

For the full-resolution pdf (and page 2) please click here. (Credit: Richard Wells)

Promo Codes for Green Screen by Doink!

Thanks for reading this review. The developers of Green Screen by Doink have generously given me a few free promo codes to give out for my readers!

Here is how get a chance to receive one:

If you have Twitter:

1. Follow me.

2. Tweet out this (or ANY) of teachingwithipad blogposts by using the Share button at the bottom of each post. Please include the hashtags #ipaded and #ipadchat. Share as many as you can/want.

If you don’t have Twitter:

1. Follow this blog (There's a button at the bottom of every post)

2. Simply leave a brief comment below on how you could benefit from the DOINK app, and how you plan on using it. Make sure you leave your email address (it won't be shown publicly).

I will contact winners directly through email or Twitter DM. If you receive a code, please reply back and let me know if it worked. Promo coes have an expiration date. If you are chosen, please remember to redeem it immediately.