This week we are looking at the wild and wonderful world of audio files. The audio file at the top of the page was created with a program called Voki. This free, online program allows the user to create speaking avatars. The audio file can be 60 seconds long. There is some advertising on the site, but it is not distracting or overhelming. It is very easy for the user to point and click to create the avatar. Sound can be added by calling and recording the message, typing the words and having them translated with Text to Speech, recording with a microphone on the computer, or uploading an audio file. The finished file can be emailed, shared on social media, or embedded into a website or blog with the HTML code. There is a function called Voki Classroom that allows teachers to set up and manage the program for the classroom. There are even lesson plans using the program. (One that I noticed was for a first grade classroom. It used Voki to present a line from a story and the students had to choose which character said that line.) Voki Classroom is a paid service and the subscription is $22.95 for one year or $44.95 for two. This program could be used in the library for the students to give book talks to share on the library blog. It could be used in the classroom to give 60 second presentations.
I also looked at AudioPal. AudioPal is similar to Voki, but there is no visual component. Students can ad audio by calling and recording, typing the words, recording using a microphone, or uploading an audio file. AudioPal uses a toll free number to call and record, where Voki does not. This time I used the text to speech feature. The initial screen is very busy, but once the user opens the recording tool, the site is very easy to use. You record the audio, preview the audio, and then type in your email address to receive the finished audio file. This website can be used in the same way as Voki, but the avatar feature in Voki makes that site a little more student-friendly.
The final site I explored was Vocaroo. I got tired of hearing myself, so I let my two year old talk. Plus, he's pretty cute and he thought it was funny to hear the playback. Vocaroo was the easiest of the three sites to use. The opening screen had the big, red record button, so there was no question about what to do. After a slight technical difficulty with the program finding the microphone, we were ready. While this program was the easiest, I really liked the talking avatar at Voki.
Adding audio files to the blog helps keep things interesting. The audio files also make the blog more accessible to users who have trouble seeing the screen or reading the words. I would use audio files as a way to get the students involved. Recording their writing helps incorporate writing standards as well as oral language standards.
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