Voki - Express Yourself with Talking Characters

1. April 1, 2012

2. What is Voki? • Overview • Voki enables users to express themselves on the web using a talking character. You can customizeyour character to look or sound like you or take the identity of lots of other types of characters. • The meaning of “Voki” • Voki is a combination of “vox”, which is Latin for voice, and “Loki”, which is a playful shape shifter in Norse Mythology. • Creators • Voki is brought to you by the folks at Oddcast, a New York based company that has been creating speaking character on the web for years. \

3. Highlights Hands on Technology Voki is a fun way to introduce technology in the class. The user friendly interface allows students to gain experience with a variety of web based applications. Create and Imagine Voki encourages students to use their imagination. There are infinite character combinations to create and a variety of ways they can give their Voki a voice. Memorable Learning Vokis, by design, are a visual and audible point of reference for the lesson information. Students have a hand in the entire process of creation which leads to a stronger retention of what they learned. Motivate to Participate Kids of all ages and personalities will embrace Voki. The lesson plan database covers topics for Kindergarteners up to High School and beyond. Even the shyest child in class will be able to make their voice heard with Voki. Language Tool Voki voices are available in over 30 languages so students all over the world can participate.Voki is also a great tool in language classes for lessons and pronunciation. Fun What’s not to love about Voki? Expect passionate work from students with a side of smiles. \

4. Creating a Voki - Design Fun and Easy There are thousands of possible character combinations – let your imagination run wild! Character Selection To begin, you will pick out the head of the character you would like to work with. You may select their hair type, lips, and facial hair and even adjust the hue of these features. Accessorize Dress your Voki in anything from funky costumes to corporate attire. You can even accessorize them with “bling” like glasses or a colorful scarf! \

5. Creating a Voki - Voice Give it a Voice Bring your Voki to life by giving it a unique voice! Your Voki can sound how ever you want, even like you! Options There are four ways to give your Voki a voice: Record by Phone (US numbers), Text to Speech, Record by Microphone, or Upload an Audio File. Text to Speech – over 25 languages! The Text to Speech option lets you type in the information you would like your Voki to say. There are over 25 languages to choose from in a variety of female and male voices. Sound effects can be used to make your Voki whisper, echo, sound like a chipmunk, and more! \

6. Creating a Voki – Final Touches Backgrounds Switch up the background by selecting from our catalog of photos, cartoons and animations. You can even upload your own photo! Tweaks Change the size and location of your Voki onscreen. The magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner lets you make these adjustments. Players Personalize your player frame – pick a color! \

7. Publishing a Voki Save and Name If you are happy with the Voki you created, you can now save and name it. Publish or Email Voki can be embedded and shared on over 20 popular sites. You can also use the URL that links directly to your Voki’s own webpage. Emailing to a friend is quick and easy . \

8. Lesson Plans Get Inspired! There are over 100 ready- to-go Voki Lesson Plans. Click “View Lesson Plan” to see a thorough description of the lesson as well as instructions . Covering the Bases Browse lessons for virtually every school subject and age group. Teachers from all over the world contribute their own Voki lesson plans to the database. \

9. Voki Classroom - Teachers Supercharge Voki Voki Classroom brings the Voki experience to the next level. Teachers have access to a unique interface to organize students, classes, lessons and more! Manage Students \ Organize Classes and Create Voki Lessons

10. Voki Classroom - Students Submitting Work With Voki Classroom, teachers assign lessons using Voki. After completing their Voki, students submit their Voki’s for their teacher to review. Lesson Page The teachers may enable the Lesson Page URL where all approved Vokis can be viewed for each lesson. This is a fun way for students share their Voki and learn from one another’s work. \

11. Voki Voice “My goal with using Voki is to give every student a voice and a face in a fun and engaging way.” Lisa Nielsen, author of The Innovative Educator Blog “Voki is really great with those students who are struggling readers, as well as students from different countries.” LaQuitaDensonm, Instructional Technology Specialist "I use Voki to create a virtual me when I am away from the classroom or to explain directions to a project. I put the Voki on my classroom blog so students can access it anytime.” Erica Hartman, Teacher at Sparta Middle School in New Jersey “I started using Voki a couple months ago with my class to communicate with our pen pals in California.” Lisa Mims, 5th grade teacher at Pleasantville Elementary in Delaware “My goals with Voki are to give my students a chance to practice their speaking skills in a motivating and personalized way.” Ana Maria Menezez, English teacher in Brazil “Vokiallows me to provide a fun and interactive audio example of the material we are singing in choir. Each of the choirs have their own Vokicharacter who sings section of the material we are preparing as a learning aid.” Lyndell Allen, Music Teacher at Ballaret Grammar in Australia \