The Digital Sandbox

Avatars can be used by classroom teachers when designing interactive lessons as a way of interacting with students. Most avatars are known as “bots” and are powered by Natural Language Processing. Some avatars like Crazy Talk allows users to record natural voice overs along with secondary sound recordingd like music. Avatars like MASH (Microsoft Agent Scripting Helper) allows the user to program several characters within a single lesson narrative. When incorporating avitars into a lesson they can be used to define terms, give directions to an activities or reinforced content. Avitars can also be intergrated into a PowerPoint presentation as they are incorporated into an interactive whiteboard lesson.

Download Video: Posted by kingismike at TeacherTube.com.

Web Cam Applications

To express unique characterization to project-based activity teachers can have students use Avatar characters to write and read the content of the lesson or script. The script is a specially prepared narration that allows the viewers to hear and see a presentation in a creative format. Through 3D Avatar characterization students can animate facial expressions and head movements while narrating a script. Due to the Avatar imaging the three PC Logitech web-cams listed below are the only type of cameras that will support Video Effects Avatars and can be downloaded at no charge: (See Logitech Software Applications) MovieMaker or iMovie is a video editing software application that can be used to incorporate unitedstreaming video into an Avatar production. Using video editing software enables students to create an Avatar presentation by adding edible video using transitions, sound effects, and special features.

• See Edited Sample Lesson: Deno Reads

• See Avatar Presentation: Reason for the Seasons

M.A.S.H.Resource: (Microsoft Agent Character)
This resource is easy to use and the character animation features give expression to a presentation. Once the characters are built you can save the file and then hyperlink the mash file into PowerPoint. A text bubble appears above the character, and as the character talks, the text appears in the text bubble. Script helper is a great tool for reinforcing reading skills, giving directions, and reviewing and reinforcing content.

• Peedy demonstrates an interactive lesson on the definitions of a shield volcano.

• Peedy and Ozzar discuss a composite volcano in an interactive whiteboard lesson.

iClone

iClone software allows for character creation for digital storytelling, introduction of interactive lessons, and multiple ways to increase depth to lesson design. Through the unique features of 3D movie making software; content expression can be brought to life by incorporating historical characters. History teachers can introduce the exploration of Christopher Columbus through an early explores narrative; the planetary system can be explained by Albert Einstein and a Samurai Warrior can bring the travels along the Silk Road to life all through 3D characterization. To learn more about iClone features go to http://www.reallusion.com/

• Video: Size of Solar System

• Video: Forbidden City

• Video: Beijing Walls

• Video: Great Wall of China