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Creating Avatars in the Classroom

Creating Avatars in the Classroom. Vicki Martinez. Equipment – A webcam. The most important equipment for creating avatars is a webcam with avatar software.

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Creating Avatars in the Classroom

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  1. Creating Avatars in the Classroom Vicki Martinez

  2. Equipment – A webcam • The most important equipment for creating avatars is a webcam with avatar software. • The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 webcam is one example. The price is around $100. It is easy to use, attaches to a laptop or a regular computer, and can stand alone.

  3. Optional Equipment – microphone/ earphone headset • Many computers are equipped with built in microphones which would make a headset unnecessary. However, many classrooms contain a little extra background noise. The headset helps to alleviate some of the noise, but not all. • Head sets can be purchased for $10-$15 at local discount stores.

  4. How do I begin? • The first step is to install the webcam software on the computer. • The webcam will come with a CD and set up can be completed by following the directions on the CD.

  5. Step 2: Attach the webcam • Plug the webcam into a USB port. • Place it on the computer or a convenient location for the person who will be in front of the screen creating the avatar.

  6. Step 3: Attach the headset/ microphone • Attach the head set to the appropriate locations on the computer. This is usually located in the same area that external speakers are attached to the computer.

  7. Step 4 Locate an avatar • Double click on the desk top icon of the webcam. • To locate an avatar, click on the Mardi Gras mask icon on the side bar. A couple of examples will be listed. • To find more examples click on “Get more video effects”. • Click Open.

  8. Step 5: Select and open an avatar • Clicking open will save the avatar to your chosen list of avatars, which will be available to you on future visits. • When you click on the avatar it will appear in the video effects. Click on the image. It will appear in the webcam screen. • Calibrate. This allows the camera to track your face.

  9. Calibrate:

  10. Step 6: Begin Recording • Begin recording by clicking on the “Record Video” button. • To stop recording, hit the button again. • To play the video, click on the icon under the screen.

  11. Step 7: Save the video • Saving the video will vary according to the version of Movie Maker that is downloaded to your computer. • In older versions, once the video begins playing, there will be a menu bar at the top of the screen. Go to “File”, • “Save As” and choose the location. Be sure to save the file as a wmv.

  12. Step 8: Upload to Teacher Web • Short videos can be uploaded to Teacher Web. • Additional web space can be purchased for a fee of about $10 per year. • Go to the Photos and Docs section and select your video from the saved location. • Link the video to your webpage.

  13. A Review and How To: • How To: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/3056&cl=us,en • Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRxBKw9cITs&feature=related

  14. Avatars in the classroom: Why? • Making a good video requires planning. • Planning usually involves writing. • Writing involves editing. • Recording the video requires fluency and expression. • Keeping an interested audience requires elaboration and interesting words. • Working with a group requires cooperation and is a real life skill. • Making an avatar is motivation for writing.

  15. Ideas • Avatars can be used by students to present their writing assignment to fellow classmates. • Avatars can be used by teachers and administrators to present information and instruction to students, teachers, and parents. • Avatars can be used to explain and instruct.

  16. Some sites for children • www.millsberry.com is a site that many students enjoy visiting. They are able to design an avatar that may or may not resemble them, give it a name, and design a room, a house, and a community for this avatar. The avatars earn money and spend money. What a life lesson!

  17. Examples: • My Favorite Food Students created essays on their favorite foods. • Deitrick’s Seafood • Meet the Teacher A fun way to start the year. • Math This Week Inform students and parents on work for the week. • Fabulous Fish -Boast about positive behavior

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