Tech Tool Roundup

Tech Tool Round-up

Let's talk about some cool tools that you may wish to consider using to develop or teach your online course. These are presented in no particular order (and I don't get any kick-backs for making recommendations!),

Adobe Flash Note:

An important thing to note for anyone developing online materials is that Adobe Flash Player is being blocked by most major internet browsers or is being phased out, and Adobe will stop supporting it altogether in 2020. Our recommendation is to avoid using any software or tools that utilize Flash so that your learners do not run into problems being able to view or access it. 

Tellagami

Tellagami icon

Tellagami is a mobile app that lets you create a quick animated video. You've seen several Tellagami videoes throughout this course already. Here's how I use it. Download either (or both!) the Tellagami free and educational versions (this will cost you about $5 and give you additional choices and a longer recording time).

Type 1
  1. Use your iPhone to shoot several empty workspaces to use as backdrops behind the avatar.
  2. Write a short script (trust me on this—don't try to wing it unless you're very good!).
  3. Using Tellagami and the iPhone, record a short (under 90 seconds) script.
  4. Choose from the clothing and facial expressions choices.
  5. Add a background from the phone's photo library.
  6. Save the video and email it to yourself.
  7. Use Photoshop (or other image capture application), capture a screenshot of the opening of the video and insert that into a lesson in your online module.
  8. Hyperlink the image to the Tellagami video.
Type 2
  1. Type the script into the Tellagami app.
  2. Choose an avatar.
  3. Let the avatar's recorded voice read your script.
  4. Personalize your avatar by choosing voice type, clothing, and background.
  5. Finish by following steps 6-8 above.

Decision Point

I elected to use my voice and a consistent avatar for presentation as me, Sally the instructional designer, throughout the course. I chose to use a pre-recorded voice and different gender avatars for the voice of various instructors. I thought the consistency of my voice would be beneficial to you.

Other Options

I, personally, have experience with Tellagami and like it, but that is not your only option. Similar products include Voki and SitePal

Next let's get Crazy!