Automotivator is an online poster generator that allows users to create motivational posters that can be shared with other 2.0 applications, such as wikis and blogs. Besides being free (although there is an option to professionally print your final product), the process of creating a poster is a fairly simple one. Users can upload an image from their computer or another web site, select the font style and color, and then type the motivational message. Once completed, posters can be saved, printed or uploaded to other Web 2.0 sites (i.e. Flickr, imgur).

Automotivator is a free service, and users do not need to register for an account to utilize this “cool tool”.

Check out a the student example shown below:

Classroom Connection:

If you’re looking for an easy way to integrate technology into a lesson, then Automotivator is just the tool for you! This nifty application can be integrated with various instructional strategies at any grade level and in any content area—particularly with Do Nows and Exit Tickets, especially if the activity is designed to review a concept, skill and/or vocabulary learned in a lesson, chapter and/or unit.

Another idea: Instead of creating posters with the latest music or sports stars on them, photograph students from your class to create motivational posters with “real people” in them.  This would be a great way to promote classroom and/or school rules, slogans and mottos.

Whatever the nature of the actual assignment, once students submit their individual projects, a visual dictionary for the class can be created and shared.

Even though the Automotivator site does not allow for much student creativity, the task of actually locating or taking a photo that matches a concept and then summarizing thoughts on the image can help to sharpen critical thinking skills.