An avatar is a "virtual person" and can be used when designing digital stories or delivering content. Avatars can be used to define terms, give directions, act as a tour guide, or to introduce others to your blog.Voki is a fun tool that allows you to create your own personal avatar and give it a voice. Voki enables users to express themselves on the web in their own voice using a talking character. You can choose from a wide selection of characters, and you can personalize them with different hair styles, clothing options, accessories, and more. You can also choose the backdrop behind them and the stage for that backdrop. Once you've created your character, you can bring them to life by giving them a voice. You can do this by either adding a message via your phone or microphone, or you can just type in a message and choose a voice to speak what you've written. It's fun to watch the avatar's mouth as it “says” what you've recorded, since it looks like the avatar is actually speaking.
Activity #1 - Create a Speaking Avatar using Voki
Create an avatar to be added to your blog. Have your avatar "welcome" readers to your blog and give a short "sales pitch" about a useful Web 2.0 tool. (You might have to do some research on Web 2.0 tools in education. There are some helpful sites that list and categorize Web 2.0 tools. One site is: http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com)
