Creating Avatars in the Classroom

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Creating Avatars in the Classroom

• Vicki Martinez
• Frompangea.tec.selu.edu/vmartinez/ETEC644/avatar
  _how_to_ppt_3.ppt

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Equipment A webcam

• The most important equipment for creating avatars
  is a webcam with avatar software.
• The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 webcam is one
  example. The price is around 100. It is easy to
  use, attaches to a laptop or a regular computer,
  and can stand alone.

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Optional Equipment microphone/ earphone headset

• Many computers are equipped with built in
  microphones which would make a headset
  unnecessary. However, many classrooms contain a
  little extra background noise. The headset helps
  to alleviate some of the noise, but not all.
• Head sets can be purchased for 10-15 at local
  discount stores.

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How do I begin?

• The first step is to install the webcam software
  on the computer.
• The webcam will come with a CD and set up can be
  completed by following the directions on the CD.

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Step 2 Attach the webcam

• Plug the webcam into a USB port.
• Place it on the computer or a convenient location
  for the person who will be in front of the screen
  creating the avatar.

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Step 3 Attach the headset/ microphone

• Attach the head set to the appropriate locations
  on the computer. This is usually located in the
  same area that external speakers are attached to
  the computer.

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Step 4 Locate an avatar

• Double click on the desk top icon of the webcam.
• To locate an avatar, click on the Mardi Gras mask
  icon on the side bar. A couple of examples will
  be listed.
• To find more examples click on Get more video
  effects.
• Click Open.

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Step 5 Select and open an
avatar

• Clicking open will save the avatar to your chosen
  list of avatars, which will be available to you
  on future visits.
• When you click on the avatar it will appear in
  the video effects. Click on the image. It will
  appear in the webcam screen.
• Calibrate. This allows the camera to track your
  face.

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Calibrate
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Step 6 Begin Recording

• Begin recording by clicking on the Record Video
  button.
• To stop recording, hit the button again.
• To play the video, click on the icon under the
  screen.

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Step 7 Save the video

• Saving the video will vary according to the
  version of Movie Maker that is downloaded to
  your computer.
• In older versions, once the video begins playing,
  there will be a menu bar at the top of the
  screen. Go to File,
• Save As and choose the location. Be sure to
  save the file as a wmv.

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Step 8 Upload to Teacher Web

• Short videos can be uploaded to Teacher Web.
• Additional web space can be purchased for a fee
  of about 10 per year.
• Go to the Photos and Docs section and select
  your video from the saved location.
• Link the video to your webpage.

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A Review and How To

• How To http//www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_c
  ommunications/webcams/devices/3056clus,en
• Review http//www.youtube.com/watch?vRRxBKw9cITs
  featurerelated

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Avatars in the classroom Why?

• Making a good video requires planning.
• Planning usually involves writing.
• Writing involves editing.
• Recording the video requires fluency and
  expression.
• Keeping an interested audience requires
  elaboration and interesting words.
• Working with a group requires cooperation and is
  a real life skill.
• Making an avatar is motivation for writing.

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Ideas

• Avatars can be used by students to present their
  writing assignment to fellow classmates.
• Avatars can be used by teachers and
  administrators to present information and
  instruction to students, teachers, and parents.
• Avatars can be used to explain and instruct.

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Some sites for children

• www.millsberry.com is a site that many students
  enjoy visiting. They are able to design an avatar
  that may or may not resemble them, give it a
  name, and design a room, a house, and a community
  for this avatar. The avatars earn money and spend
  money. What a life lesson!

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Examples

• My Favorite Food Students created essays on their
  favorite foods.
• Deitricks Seafood
• Meet the Teacher A fun way to start the year.
• Math This Week Inform students and parents on
  work for the week.
• Fabulous Fish -Boast about positive behavior