Using audio in your classroom or library can have its benefits and challenges. I am not into recording myself, but when I created my Voki I was able to type what I wanted it to say. I did like that aspect. I can see students loving to create their own Voki or using some of the pre-made ones. They would also love recording their voices and such. This could be used in the classroom or library on various assignments. If they chose an animal, they could have the animal Voki give their report. Or they could have their character tell their story for a writing assignment.
Some of the other options to add audio includes voice recordings on Speakpipe or creating music on Clyp. Some students would really love this idea. I can see students creating a report and taking turning recording their parts or even parts for a presentation, especially if they are shy and do not like to talk in front of others. This could be used to have lower readers record themselves and then listen back to see what they missed.
I would worry about the students who would inevitably record or say something they shouldn’t, but that’s going to happen sometime or another anyway. However, this would be a good time to discuss what is allowed and not allowed and to think about what they make public on social media. Even recordings can be used to hurt someone. Overall, I think the students would enjoy recording themselves and creating the Voki.
Podcasts
I am not a podcast fan. I am a visual, kinesthetic learner that has a very difficult time listening and recalling what I listened to. I tend to tune out. I guess this is why I have never been able to get into books on tape or Audible. So with that being said, I choose to listen to 10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Vicki Davis. Her podcasts vary from 8-12 minutes, which appealed to me way more that the thirty plus minute other options I found. I think if I practiced listening to them, I could get used to them. They are short and to the point, which is what I need and I feel most students would as well. Each day she does a new podcast which is amazing since she still teaches each day. I would recommend her for a newbie like me.
I so agree with you about podcasting! I am not a fan at all as I am also a visual person and will tune out within 5 minutes! I also listened to the 10 minute podcast and even though it was short, I still had to pause it here and there to take notes. I am not into audio books for the same reason. The long podcasts are a bit too much for me so I can definitely recommend Vicki Davis’ podcasts. She gives excellent information in a short period of time and can capture the attention of people who tune out like us.
I noted that Davis’ podcast is one of the only ones that is created by a teacher. I listened to a few episodes, not hard at ten minutes each, and really enjoyed how she’s using the podcast platform. I’m feeling increasingly inundated with advice, input, and challenges from people who are no longer in the classroom.
Isn’t that the truth! To hear from practicing teachers is really powerful.
I actually love listening to audiobooks. I feel torn at times because I have to chose between listening to books or to podcasts given my limited time and audiobooks almost always win. However, the length of the one you recommended seems very manageable to fit in more often. I’ll have to check it out!
Good point about discussing proper use of making recordings. There are always teachable moments for digital citizenship, and I know some teachers are hesitant to introduce tools because of what students *might* do with them. We can’t stop all behaviors, but we can educate them and hope they make the right decisions.