So, I come across this really neat website called Voki while taking a graduate class. Voki is a open sourced (free) website that allows you create different avatars that talk. The really cool thing is you can record the voice for the avatar or even select text (like from a textbook or a reading assignment) and the avatar will speak the text. The other really awesome thing about Voki is that once you create the avatar you can embed it into your blog, web or Moodle page. In addition, you could simply e-mail the avatar to someone as well. It can work like a podcast but with an interesting character and voice of your choice! Check out Bill. I copied text from the our Senior Project packet and Bill will say the text I copied. To listen to Bill just click on the play button. Enjoy and have fun!!!!

Some of you may know but Lima City Schools now has a Moodle server and is offering access for teachers to use Moodle in their classrooms. What is Moodle? Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The focus of Moodle is to always give educators the best tools to manage and promote more learning. Professional development is going to be offered for staff in the near future so stay tuned for more information. In addition, for those of you who want to get a jump on professional development on Moodle and earn some CEU’s at the same time, I have placed some information in your mail box about an online “Moodle for Educators” class that is being offered in January. A great way to learn about Moodle and get some graduate credit.  I have added a link to the LSH Moodle Page under “Staff Links.” In addition, below is a brief introductory video on Moodle. Check it out!

Two new teacher resource links have been added to the “Neat Stuff” page. Post-It Teacher Activity Center and Teaching Channel. The Post-It Activty Center is a great resource for quick and free activities for your classroom using 3M Post-Its. The website allows you search activities by grade level, subjects and areas on interest. Teaching  Channel is a video resource that provides inspiration, lesson ideas and tools on various subject areas. Check them out!!