8/02/2009

Voki Avatars

Voki Avatars

Internet usage, in particular gaming and virtual worlds, is a widely growing commodity. A recent survey in the United States discovered that an outstanding 45% of teens that were interviewed are classified as 'heavy internet users'. 29% of these teens spend a considerable amount of their time playing games and communicating in a virtual reality program. 

As a future learning manager, i believe that if i want my students to 'power up' and express a desire towards learning, i must provide them with learning experiences that will endeavor to connect to their personal knowledge and needs. Incorporating avatars into the classroom is one way of achieving this success. While researching appropriate ways to utilize avatars in the classroom i stumbled across this useful website. It provides a list of ideas that i am sure will provoke your thoughts and create some 'light bulb moments'. http://www.squidoo.com/voki#module13244898


There are many different sources of avatars available on the internet. The source i have chosen to generate for the purpose of this assignment is Voki. Voki provides easy to follow directions that allow the user to create an interactive speaking avatar. These avatars provide opportunities for both learning managers and students to enhance their learning, reflect on their learning and provide details of their learning, regardless of their location. One of the great advantages is an avatar can be accessed in the classroom and at home. In the words of my own children, 'wow mum, you could make homework be soooooo much fun'!  


I have created an avatar that provides students with the details of a lesson. This avatar would be embedded into the class blog and incorporate links that provide printable resources that must be used. I would introduce the topic and direct students to the blog in order to receive their instructions. The three components of Kearsley and Shneiderman's (1999)  'engagement theory' would facilitate the learning experience.   

     


Until next time,

Kerri.


Reference: 

Kearsley, G., Shneiderman, B., (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 18, 2009, from 

http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm




4 comments:

  1. Hi Kerri,
    I enjoyed reading your blog on Avatars. It has given me a few ideas of how to use Avatars in my hospitality classes at school.
    Thanks
    Jim

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Kerri,
    I love your avatar and feel that it would make a very engaging 'hook' at the beginning of a lesson. I'm in the process of creating my first avatar but can't get it to say more that a couple of sentences. Is there a trick that I am missing? Keep up the good work!
    Regards,
    Nari

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kerri

    Enjoyed your avatar.

    What site did you use to implant such a long speech to the cartoon character?

    Regards

    Kerru

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello everyone,

    I have really enjoyed creating these avatars and found that i was able to instantly introduce them into my classroom. They are a hit with the students.

    I actually signed up for the 15 day free trial in order to get my character to say more them just a few sentences. I have a large sticky note on my computer to inform me to cancel the trial before a certain date, however, i can see the benefits are enormous so i think i will sign up for a 12 month subscription. Kerry, the benefits for secondary students are also great. My 14 year old daughter loves them and has introduced them to her teacher at school.

    All i can say is....go for it!
    Kerri : )

    ReplyDelete