Click and watch
In this article I will introduce :
1. What is Voki?
2. What can you do in Voki for ELT (pros & con)
2.1 Create a speaking avatar
2.2 Get free lesson plans
2.3 Use Voki classroom
3. Conclusion
4. References
5. Useful links
1. What is Voki?
Voki is an educational website used by million of educators and students all around the world. There are three main features you can utilize on this website: creating your own avatar and embed it on another website; uploading or downloading free lesson plans; and joining the Voki classroom to study with students around the world.
2. What can you do in Voki for ELT
The most important tool in this website is the speaking avatar! It is fun and extremely useful! The avatar can be embedded into other websites and create a sound effect!
The creating process is simple!
Click and learn:
Advantages:
- As we can see from the top of this post, the speaking kitty is an interesting attraction for readers, especially for kids. By using Voki avatar, teachers can engage students in the arranged activities. For instance, when teachers want to give comments on students' homework, teachers can apply Voki avatar. The animation can contribute a lot in the emotional side of the corrections and compliments.
- Voki avatar is useful in doing speaking activities. When students do not show their faces when they speak, their true identities are somehow hidden behind the avatars. This can lower students' speaking anxiety and hence students become more active in the speaking activities.
Limitation:
- Not all the avatars are free, many images can be used by Voki Classroom students only.
2.2 Get free lesson plans
In Voki lesson plan database, you can search for lesson plans for different subjects from kindergarten to higher education. You can view it download it, and even share it on Facebook. It is totally free!
For example: click it for more details
Advantage:
- The data base has lesson plans for various subjects in different levels. As the database is constantly updated, more and more teachers come here and exchange information and ideas. By doing so, teachers can gradually improve their classroom practice.
Limitation:
- Until now, most of the lesson plans in Voki are not for higher education.
2.3 Voki classroom
Click and learn more
"Voki Classroom is an innovative tool for expressing yourself on the Web in your own voice using a talking character. Voki allows Teachers and Students to use speaking avatars for education."1 Teachers can arrange classes with unlimited numbers of students to have class.
Advantage:
- Voki classroom is without limitation for student participants, meanwhile, students do not need to sign in for the classroom, therefore, teachers can arrange a big class online.
- The operation of the class is user-friendly, both teachers and students find it easy to join and communicate, consequently, the efficiency of the class become higher.
- In Voki, students and teachers are from different parts of the world, cultural exchange often take place. This is a good education for language learners to explore cultural differences and broaden their horizon.
Limitation:
- Users have to pay for it. However, the fee is low, and there is a 15 day trail version. So try it before you pay a small amount! :) It's a nice tool to use!
3. Conclusion
Voki has different functions, and I recommend you fabulous teachers to try it out!
References
1.http://www.voki.com/pdf/Voki_Classroom-Getting_Started_Guide.pdf
Useful links
Information for setting up a Voki classroom, go to the teacher's corner
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