Thing 7 - Image Generators

Voki
The first tool that I spent time exploring was Voki and it was awesome! I think I had heard about this tool, but had never spent the time to really explore all that it has to offer. First, I definitely agree that if a Voki was sent in an email, it would definitely get the attention of the recipients and could definitely make a much bigger impact than a more traditional all text message. As a parent myself, if I received some of our weekly updates with a Voki, it would definitely capture my attention as well as make me wonder what other cool things the instructor could be using in the classroom to engage my daughter as well!

I definitely think this tool be used with and even by my students. I know that Voki classroom has an expense tied to it, however, for $30/year, I think that is an expense that I would not mind incurring. This tool could be something that could be used across all of the curriculum by students to demonstrate understanding of specific topics in a way that allows them to be creative in many ways. I also love the fact that there are lesson plan ideas available within the Voki and in fact have found a geography assignment that I am going to try to incorporate into our geography unit that we are starting next week. What a cool way to practice making maps, but also to demonstrate understanding and "make something" that is truly unique. The only challenge that I will have is finding enough microphone headsets that can be used by the students to record map directions.

Even if one did not want to incur the $30/year expense, you could definitely use the free account and create lessons using the Voki that would change up the "normal" in a way that I think students would really react favorably too.

Glogster
The second tool that  I really think would be a wonderful tool to add to my toolbox is Glogster.  I think in second grade the tool initially would be used more in a whole group setting where I as the instructor was modeling how to use Glogster and how to insert the different headings, text boxes as well as any images or video.  I definitely think this type of poster would be much more engaging and of course interactive for students.  In the beginning, these first posters could also be posted on our class website or links shared in weekly emails with parents to not only share what we are learning, but also to provide students with "self created" resources to return to to review material if we had a test or other assessment that was coming up.

I definitely think there is different thinking that goes into making an interactive poster and this process really cements the learning in a students' mind.  I think the biggest challenge is helping the students learn how to use the tool, but once they become more independent in creating their posters, the thinking becomes more meaningful and permanent.  I also like the fact that this tool can also be used in several subject areas so you are not just teaching them one tool to use for one assignment.