Employing Avatars

I've been thinking about the use of Avatars in the classroom and have been interested to read others posts on this subject.
At first I thought they were a bit of a gimmick but soon realised the potential that they have. Seeing them made me remember a puppet that one teacher used in my school days (probably about Grade 2 but I can't quite recall). She used the puppet to describe the tasks we had to do and to initiate discussion. The puppet, (with her hand obviously inside it) appeared from behind a little suitcase and 'talked' to us. All the while, our attention was focused on it totally - we did not once look at the teacher. I can see Avatars being used effectively in a similar fashion:
- used as an introduction to 'hook' students to new topics
- to reiterate main/key points of learning activity
It's great that there are so many different types, styles, backgrounds etc. available with them. This characteristic ensures that students can relate and subsequently create one that is individual to them and their trends, style.


I would be concerned if they were used all the time - I can imagine students 'tuning out' if the characters where not regularly changed and if the technology was used frequently. Considering the use of Avatars pulled me back to Q3 - How does my learner best learn? In this age of technology, an Avatar would certainly have to be a consideration. Incidentally, I was speaking about the use of Avatars with my mentor teacher and use of the interactive whiteboard. She informed me that she uses the IAW (is that the correct acronym?) about once a day which surprised me to say the least. I am looking forward to being in the classroom and seeing it in action (and maybe getting to use it myself) along with other technology.

Going back to Week 2 and looking at Dale's Cone and the Learning Pyramid made me realise the need to use this technology with caution. Whilst it may be good at grabbing attention, it is vital that it be used in conjunction with other activities that are learner-centred and ensure direct, purposeful experiences. (Just like Scot has done with our weekly courseware really!)