Use of Avatars in class

Get a Voki now!



This posting is about a week delayed due to some Internet connection issues, it was made last week as an example of how avatars can be used in class, in this case, I have used a Koala to introduce a class.

This would be an excellent tool to engage students and have them paying attention at the start of the lesson. They would also be a great resource to use to apply Kearsley and Schneidermens Relate, Create, Donate Theory to a lesson. Students relate to the novel nature of the avatar, create their own voki and donate their voki to a public forum or real life scenario.

I would have like to have a microphone as the Koala needs a different voice! I could also imagine using avatars for longer activities such as teaching students songs and languages. These could also be saved and used again later in other learning activities.

Reference:

Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved from CQUniversity e-course, EDED20491 ICTs for learning design, http://e-courses.cqu.edu.au.

http://www.squidoo.com/voki#