Group 2 ICT Tool

Voki

“Voki is a free service that allows you to create personalized speaking avatars and use them on your blog, profile, and in email messages” (Danner-Kuhn, 2011, p. 1).

A PMI has been constructed to show the benefits and dangers of Voki in schools.

Positives

Ø  Voki is a useful tool that engages students in creative expressions.

Ø  Students’ identity does not have to be released as they can remain anonymous by using an avatar instead of an actual picture.

Ø  Able to integrate any curriculum area.

Ø  Allows students to practice oral presentations.

Ø  Effective tool to use for visual and auditory learners.

Ø  Excellent tool to use for those who find videotaping and vodcasting difficult.

Minuses

Ø  Students may become distracted while creating their avatar, losing focus on the main task.

Ø  It is vital for learning managers to check the students’ work for appropriateness.

Ø  When creating individual Vokis in the classroom each student must have an email address in order to set up the Voki.

Interesting

Ø  Students are able to keep a log of their work so that they can view their progress throughout the unit.

References

Blasingim, J. (2011). Voki for creativity and innovation in the classroom. Retrieved from http://jblasingim.edublogs.org/2011/02/19/voki-for-creativity-and-innovation-in-the-classroom/

Danner-Kuhn, C. (2011). Create personalised speaking avatars with the new voki for education. Retrieved from http://www.technologybitsbytesnibbles.info/archives/3264