Evaluating web-based tools, by Nick Peachy

Nick Peachy's talk on web tools is very interesting. You can watch it here: http://iatefl.britishcouncil.org/2013/sessions/2013-04-11/evaluating-web-based-tools-language-instruction

Many of the tools he mentions are very interesting and worth trying in the classroom. There is one I particularly liked, Tellegami. 

This is the link to my Gami creation: https://tellagami.com/gami/5WX8HS/ 

I liked it because it is a great app that can be used for an introductory class… Ss can create their Gamis by choosing the hairstyle they like the most for their character, the voice they want it to have, the clothes they want it to wear, and even the background where the Gami is. Shy ss can profit from this activity/app because when introducing themselves, they can make this app speak for themselves, and they can even describe their Gami and explain their choices.

I will try to apply the criteria Nick uses when choosing the apps for his classes. To start with, although Tellagami is for free, it is available only in Apple devices. So, if you are planning to use it in your classes, you have to make sure everybody has an iphone, ipad or ipod , or you can always lend your ss your own device for them to make one. (This can work well if your class is not crowded.)   

It is an interesting app that ss can use later on during the academic year. I was thinking that maybe they can create other Gamis representing the characters from the books they might read in their Lit lessons.

Another positive characteristic of this app is that it doesn’t take much time to create it, or to learn how to use it. Here again, if they don’t have an Apple device, it might take them more time (if you decide to share your own device with them).

What do you think? J