Children would just love these. They could be used at any age. I think the best way would to record the child's voice rather than using the computer generated ones as they have trouble pronouncing the words correctly plus it would be more entertaining and personal with their voice on it. While creating their voki's or avatars the children are getting actively involved in their learning and doing it for themselves. Younger children would definitely need some guidance and assistance in the creation.
As quoted by Kearsley and Shneiderman (1999) "students must be meaningfully engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks" All the activities you plan for your students need to be engaging. For them to be engaging you have to know your students and how they learn best. You may have student D who loves computer work and can easily access information but then you may have student G who cannot work efficiently on a computer and struggles to find the correct information. You need to ensure you plan the activities so that all students benefit. Also providing activities that improve certain skills will allow for the students that struggle to practice and perfect the correct skills.
References
Kearsley, G,. & Shneidermann, B. (1999). Engagement Theory:
A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved March 25, 2010, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
Posts
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI tried to have a look at your voki, but I can't get it to work. I can see how students would get actively involved in creating one. How much fun would they have. I also know how the younger students would need to have guidance to create one, but seeing what a voki does would keep anyone interested and engaged.
Tanya :)
Hi Tanya
ReplyDeleteOh that is weird. It was working when I first set it up because I showed it to Meryl!! I have no idea what has happened! It was a great Voki though, I can guarantee you that!! :D