Πέμπτη 1 Αυγούστου 2013

My brand new Digital Puppet

Technology keeps getting deeper and deeper in our children's everyday lives, not only in terms of entertaining them but also educating them. There are already schools equipped with the most modern means of technology ipads, tablets, etc. So, as a wise boy once said, how can we teachers of today, prepare the students of tomorrow if we stick to yesterday? We have to be one step ahead of them to be able to guide and instruct them. So, even if we belong to a different generation not feeling very familiar with technology we have to overcome this obstacle as we are asking our little students to do every day.
To this end, there are hundreds of applications about language learning that can help teachers.
Story Chimes created by Siena Entertainment LLC , a series of classic children's stories with a Read-alone and a Read-along mode.
iStoryBooks with digital storybooks you can listen to by a narrator, on Android tablets or phones.
My favorite application which I plan to use this year is 

 Talking Ginger
I think that a big, yellow digital cat might attract more attention than my poor old hand-puppet.

The students can identify with him as he has to go through the same daily routine that they have, and he can repeat everything they say. The teacher can "put words in Ginger's mouth", record what he/she wants and then play it for the students as if the cat talks, and the students will be able to "teach" Ginger and listen to him repeat words, phrases, structures.
Tutorial Video    (not in English but very explicit)
 

Description 
 It's late and little Ginger is getting ready for bed. He needs to shower and dry, brush his teeth and go potty. Will you help him?
Every time you get him ready for bed, you unlock a new piece of Ginger's dreams. There are 60 mysterious dreams to be unlocked. Make sure you collect them all. :-)
Ginger also repeats everything you say with his cute kitten voice and reacts if you tickle him, poke him or pet him.
You can also record videos of Ginger and share them with friends on Facebook & YouTube or send them by email or MMS.

★★★ HOW TO PLAY ★★★
✔ Talk to Ginger and he will repeat.
✔ Poke or tickle him.
✔ Press the toilet paper button to start the mini game.
✔ Press the shower button to wash him.
✔ Press the hair dryer button to dry him.
✔ Press the toothbrush button to brush his teeth.
✔ Press the toothpaste button to get more toothpaste.
✔ Press the timer button to start the 2 minute toothbrush timer.
✔ Press the jigsaw puzzle button to see all the puzzles you've collected.

I will have to get back to you for feedback on how the students respond but the teacher is already very enthusiastic with her new puppet!