Weekly2-16-10


 * Week of 2/16/10 - Avatar Generators**

__Activity__: Avatar Generators

__Definition__: (//computer science//) A virtual representation of a person or a person's interactions with others in a virtual environment, conveying a sense of someone's presence (known as telepresence) by providing the location (position and orientation) and identity; examples include the graphical human figure model, the talking head, and the real-time reproduction of a three-dimesional human image. [Source: []]

__Uses with students__: Avatar pictures can be created by students in lieu of using their real pictures in online profiles and applications. They can also be used for presentations and story starters.

__Activity__: Go to the site Otaku. Create an avatar to represent yourself. Avatar generators are usually comic in nature, so don't try to make it look exactly like yourself, but rather a fun rendition. You'll find the blank avatar in the upper left corner of the screen. Click on the various blue links to customize the avatar. Click on the coloration link to color it the way you prefer. Then, download the avatar you have created to your computer by clicking on the "download" link at the bottom of the avatar.

__Viewing VoiceThread stories__: In preparation for next week's meeting, view various VoiceThreads to see examples. Go to this page - [] - and view at least six to eight VoiceThreads.

__Standards__: AASL: 2.1.6, 2.2.4, 3.1.4, 4.1.8 ISTE NETS-S: 1b, 2a, 2b, 6b

__Reflection__: Consider adding this topic to your weekly journal. Plan ways you can use this technology with students in your professional practice