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Voki: Speaking Avatar
Details
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Activity Description
Have students introduce themselves to the class by making a personalized avatar with text-to-speech or with their own voices.
Preparation
- Make sure the Web site is not blocked at your school.
- Practice using the site, making your own voki as an example to show students.
How-To
- Have your students write a brief paragraph about themselves.
- Provide feedback for corrections.
- Have students use the Voki Web site to create their vokis and e-mail to the instructor or post online for sharing.
- See the Voki directions file (above) for instructions on how to use the site. Note: The characters that have a graduation cap are available only in Voki Classroom (paid subscription to the site).
Teacher Tips
- If using text-to-speech, there is a character limit; use one space after a period. Also, words may need to be typed phonetically to be pronounced correctly.
- Built-in or USB microphones are needed for making a one-minute recording. If recording with microphone, students need to begin speaking immediately or they will receive a message that the microphone is not detected. Recording time is limited to one minute.
- Students can also use telephones to make their recordings.
More Ways
- Students can answer question prompts, create alter egos, imagine themselves in the future.
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ESL: English as a Second Language
- ASE: High School Diploma
- AwD: Adults with Disabilities
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Engagement
Activity: Icebreaker Introduction
Objective: To make students comfortable and ready to participate.
Instructions:
- Begin with a simple icebreaker activity where students pair up and share three fun facts about themselves.
- Each pair then introduces their partner to the class with one of the facts shared.
Introduction
Engagement
Activity: Overview of Avatar Creation
Objective: To introduce the concept of avatars and how they can be used for self-introductions.
Instructions:
- Show a pre-made Voki avatar as an example and explain its features.
- Discuss how avatars can represent aspects of our personalities and interests with a partner and then share with the class.
Presentation
Activity: Demonstration of Voki
Objective: To teach students how to create their own avatars using the Voki website.
Instructions: (See Voki directions)
- Walk through the process of creating an avatar on the Voki website, demonstrating each step.
- Highlight important features such as character selection, text-to-speech options, and recording capabilities.
- Explain the text-to-speech character limit and provide tips on phonetic typing.
Practice
Engagement
Enhancement
Activity: Creating Personal Avatars
Objective: To have students apply what they learned by creating their own avatars.
Instructions:
- Have students write a brief paragraph about themselves, including their hobbies, interests, and any fun facts they want to share with their partner.
- Students provide feedback and corrections to ensure clarity and correctness.
- Students then use the Voki website to create their avatars, incorporating their paragraphs either through text-to-speech or by recording their own voices.
Evaluation
Activity: Sharing and Feedback
Objective: To evaluate students’ ability to create and share their avatars.
Instructions:
- Have students email their Voki avatars to the instructor or post them on an online platform for sharing.
- Conduct a class viewing session where each student presents their avatar.
- Provide constructive feedback on both the content and the technical aspects of the avatars.
Application
Engagement
Enhancement
Extension
Activity: Extended Uses of Avatars
Objective: To encourage students to use avatars for various creative purposes.
Instructions:
- With your partner, discuss additional ways avatars can be used, such as answering question prompts, creating alter egos, or imagining themselves in the future. Share with the class.
- Assign a follow-up project where students use avatars to complete one of these extended activities, sharing their creations with the class.
Documents
- Voki Directions - Voki Directions
Tags
grammar, listening, speaking, writing, digital literacy, fun, interactive, introductions, online practice, project-based learning, pronunciation, text-to-speech, vocabulary, voki, audio, avatar, creative