Project Description: Students write a script for their conversation using a Google Slides template, create avatars for each character using AvatarMaker.com and bring the conversation to life using Blabberize.com (in 10 scenes or less).
Device Recommendation: Tablet, laptop or computer. Really, any internet-connected device should work. There are iPad apps that can achieve the same outcome and may be easier to use. This was designed for those of us without iPad access.
Tools Used: Google Slides, Avatar Maker, Blabberize.
Resources:
Blabberize
My Thoughts: Students enjoy making avatars and making their avatars talk. While doing this project with an 8th grade social studies class who needed to create a key figure of the Enlightenment and explain his contribution, I noticed some students wasting a lot of time on the avatars (making all of their friends, for example). This led me to create the script planner to force students to determine exactly which avatars they need and exactly what they need to say. This greatly helped focus students when I adapted this project for an 8th grade Spanish 1 class.
While the application in a social studies or world language class may seem natural, this project could be used in any discipline as an engaging way for students to explain, analyze, reflect or perform. Students can turn in projects as links or videos for the teacher to review. The teacher can also create a virtual gallery of final projects. Rather than each student presenting to the class, students can view finished products over time or even at home.
Watch a Sample Used for a Spanish 1 Class:
Adaptation Suggestions:
| Subject | Old Assignment | Adaptation |
| Social Studies | Explain the contributions of a historical figure and the impact those contributions had on the world. | Create an avatar or find an image of a historical figure. Create a Blabberize show and have the figure explain their contributions to the world. Create an avatar or yourself to explain the impact those contributions had on the world. |
| Science | Draw and label a scientific model. | Create a scentific model on your computer or draw by hand and take a picture. Load the picture into Blabberize show and have each part of the model give its name and explain its function. |
| Math | Explain each step of your problem. | Make an avatar and create a Blabberize show of your avatar explaining each step of a math problem. Save each explanation as a video. Create a website showing a picture of each step next to the Blabberize show for that step. |
| ELA | Write a book report. | Create a Blabberize using characters from your book to explain plot and literary elements. Include your own avatar to reflect on the book. |
| Music | Sing or play your instrument in front of the class. | Take a picture of yourself (with instrument). Create a Blabberize concert. |
Side Notes: Click here to learn how to force a user to make a copy of a Google file.
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