Voki Avatars

Ok so now I am really annoyed. Some time technology can be really just a pain. I have tried to embed a voki in this page for the last two hours. Yes I tried the 'Edit Html' and about a thousand other things.


Anyway, my voki was a self introduction which I recorded in Japanese. I chose not to use the text base impute for good reason. Firstly, with language learning/teaching there needs to be good modeling of how to pronounce the words. If the text was used it often sounds unnatural. This would seriously effect the students ability to learn the language effectively. Richards (1996) pointed out the importance of language being modeled correctly and even points out the benefits of having native speakers.

Secondly language learning is not just a verbal speech. There needs to be negotiation of meaning though use of both non verbals and verbals. As such the Voki's could be used to maybe introduce something, but not for more in depth work.

This tool would be good for the students to use as a practise, they could create their own Voki and practise their speech. It would be good as students can hear themselves and recognise what they need to improve on, while having fun.

So in conclusion I think that Voki's are a wonderful tool. That then can be used in language learning, but under the right circumstances.

Reference

Richards, J & Lockhart, C. (1996). Reflective teaching in second language classrooms,
Cambridge University Press, Melbourne.