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Voki – Safe and Engaging
There are lots of great Web 2.0 tools available for teachers to use in the classroom. The ability to access these tools through the school’s Internet filter determines whether the tools are used with students. My school corporation continues moving in a forward direction with access to technology for teachers and students, however, there are still hoops that have to be jumped through to use certain web tools.
Discovering Voki was a pleasant surprise. I am always mindful of student safety when my lesson requires them to use the Internet. Voki is a free service for users that doesn't require an application download. For the free service the final Voki presents with an advertisement, but with a paid upgrade advertisements are removed. Voki allows for the creation of a personalized avatar that teachers and students can use to communicate directions, greetings, and subject content in a safe and engaging format. Users can change the look, clothing and accessories of the avatar creating a personalized speaking image and users can add their own voice via phone, microphone or text. A fun background can be added from the provided choices or you can upload your own. After customizing the look of your Voki and adding a voice, users are able to email the Voki or get code to place Voki in personal websites, blogs, wikis, social networking sites. My plan is to allow students to create and use their personalized Voki to record their “I Am” poem on a Glog created to present their 8th grade work.
In addition to creating a Voki, the site contains a link to an application gallery users can access to creatively express themselves with additional applications.
With all the dangers that come with the Internet, especially involving children, a tool like Voki is crucial is keeping their safety. It never really occurred to me that teachers should be aware of those dangers, I always just assumed it was the parent's responsibility. Given all the online tools and applications though, teacher's do need to be conscious as well. Children do need to be protected while learning on the Internet. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about the importance of internet safety with students, I like that it this site is a safe one that I can use in the classroom. I think Voki would be a great way to motivate my students to create a writing piece that they could actually have their avatar present. Showing them an example would probably help the writing process speed up because they would be so excited about their final outcome. I'll let you know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tool. I struggle to easily integrate video into my schools Angel Learning management systems course shells. Usually i UPLOAD TO YOUTUBE AND link to the course. This seems to be an alternative to communicate with online students. I'm curious as to how the avatar and message is linked to other applications considering there isn't a download option. I want to learn more!
ReplyDeleteKids love avatars. There is a site called WeeWorld (http://www.weeworld.com/) that my 6th/7th/8th graders sneak off to as much as they can. The idea that they can create an alternate version of themselves, in the likeness that they choose, is fun and empowering. I agree that creating a voki and speaking directions, providing reminders, or giving a basic review would be fun and motivating for the students.
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ReplyDeleteSome how I managed to mess this up. Anyway, I am glad to hear there are Web 2.0 teacher tools that take students safety into consideration when designing them. I know the students will get a kick out of this one because I truly enjoyed working in Second Life. I am curious to see if I can download and use one of these avatars else where, and/or in SL. I have yet to figure out how to change my clothes in SL without putting a billboard on. It sounds as if this tool is a lot of fun and easy to use.
ReplyDeleteThis is the neatest thing I've seen yet!! When I moved my mouse over the avatar, her eyes moved, too!! The kids will have a total BLAST with this!! The possibilities are ENDLESS!! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! I honestly can't wait to teach a lesson using Voki!!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing on my list to do tomorrow is to see if it gets passed our filter. If it does...I'm telling every teacher in our district about this one.
Thanks, Sally!
My students have never used Voki in my school district. I think I will be the first teacher introducing this Web 2.0 tool in my district. I will be using "Voki" and "Second Life" next semester. I talked to my school principal and he is unblocking these Websites for the Language Department. It makes me so happy!!! I am becoming familiar with Voki, and I love it. Thank you for your contribution Sally!
ReplyDeleteMaritza
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find! I am going to use it this week with my 8th graders. Thank you very much for sharing!