Speaking

__**SPEAKING**__

media type="custom" key="9840167" align="left" width="80" height="80" Vokis can be used as an avatar on a blog or wiki. Children can choose their character, it's clothing, background etc. The site allows you to type in your text (and have an automated voice reading it) or to record your message that will be "lip synced" by the voki.

A student-made video about how to make a voki and add it to your blog is here.

[|**Get a Voki now!**]

Audioboo provides a clear voice recording that can be embedded into any webpage. Examples: a student explaining how to make pancakes, a student showing reading fluency

Use Skype to make free internet phone calls to any other Skype user anywhere in the world. If you (and the person you are calling) have a web cam, you can also see each other. Skype also allows you to instant message others on your contact list. Check here for a list of teachers and classrooms that are interested in Skyping with other classrooms. Also, Skype has recently launched Skype in the Classroom to help teachers and students connect with other classrooms.

Here is a recording of a Skype conversation between a grade one class in Canada and a year two class in Australia. Children love to talk to people outside of their classroom using this versatile tool.

Voicethread adds voice to pictures. It also allows voice comments. An example of a second grade class using Voicethread for their country reports is here. Devon Caldwell's kindergarten class made a Voicethread about making applesauce. Here, first graders talk about their imaginary snowmen. Other examples: Frog Life Cycle, Chicken Life Cycle You can listen to an audio recording of the Elluminate recording of a Classroom 2.0 session on Voicethread here.

Audacity is free recording software. Once it is downloaded onto your computer, you can use it to record and save reader's theatre, oral reading, children's Christmas wish list, etc.