Using Audio Tools in the Library and Classroom

This past week, we were introduced to a number of different tools for creating audio recordings. Some of the simpler tools are Vocaroo and Audiopal. Both of these sites can be used for short recordings, where accompanying animated characters are not necessary. Voki, another tool, is unique, in that it allows students and teachers to create talking avatars. Blabberize allows students to add talking mouths to animals or people in photographs that they upload. I tried Blabberize, but got a little frustrated trying to get the animal's mouth to open correctly. I will have to play with the audio animation options later. Students can use all of these tools to add recorded book reviews to the library website. I use Edmodo in my classroom, and love it. I can see students uploading audio files to their Edmodo discussion posts, or perhaps audio book reports, or current event reports to share with the class. They may choose to use their own voices, or take on an alter ego.