GoAnimate (http://goanimate.com/) is a website that lets
you create simple animation, adding your own narration or
typing text to be spoken by a digital voice. You choose the
background and characters, record the dialog or narration,
add music if you want, and the website produces an animated
movie. It’s similar to Puppet Pals, but the characters have
more ability to move.
Screenshot of GoAnimate
Reminders when using technology
If you’re using any type of technology, have a back-up plan.
Sooner or later, something will go wrong. Your computer will
crash, the website you wanted to use will disappear or be
down for repairs, there will be an electrical blackout—
anything can happen. Don’t rely too much on everything
working perfectly. Plan for what you would do in case of a
technological disaster, and have a low-tech back-up plan
ready.Even if everything is working !ne, remember that technology
will never replace a good teacher. Technology is just a tool.
Use it well, but don’t let it become the main focus of your
lesson. A computer program, website, or video can’t teach
your class for you. Computers are not necessarily interesting
or fun for students; if they’re designed or used badly, they
can be just as dull as a lecture. People need human contact,
and your human presence and caring are more important to
your students than any $ashy technology. Use technology;
don’t let it control you.Responding to students’ pronunciation
practice
When students record a sample of their pronunciation or read
to you for pronunciation practice during a lesson, how will
you respond? Deciding what to say can be overwhelming,
especially if the student is making many mistakes. It’s best
not to try to comment on everything at once. You might start
by focusing on these things:- One or two things that seriously interfere with the
speaker’s intelligibility
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