From the Part Six of the textbook, I chose one of the tools for Avatars, Voki. The Matrix helped me to pick the tool in that it can help to personalize a web content. Also the description about the tool sounded like it would be suitable to present a short speech, which can be effectively used in a language class. The tool offers many animated characters that you can pick from. Also you can put personal voice using either phone recording or microphone, or you can use Text to Voice feature. I liked that the feature had language options including Japanese. For an experiment in my class, I created a couple of Avatars to present the phrase, “ I will become/became a/an (animal).” Then I invited a couple of students to record their voice, made them say self-introducing words, and pick an animal they wanted to become. I will use this activity once in a while. 

I think the tool will help us to meet the standards:

In TASK

Knoledge 7K—The teacher knows a range of evidence-based instructional strategies, resources, and technological tools and how to use them effectively to plan instruction that meets diverse learning needs.

OETS

2.  Communication and Collaboration

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, across the global community, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.  Students:

1. Interact and collaborate with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
2. Effectively communicate and publish to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
3. Engage with learners from other cultures to develop cultural understanding and global awareness.

From the assessment tools, I created a test with Proprofs. The test is formative, for practicing to pick the right Japanese alphabets for the words. We have done similar kind of activity with pictures and flash cards in the class, but the tool allows students to have the same kind of activity with a different media. The matrix gives the caution that overuse of the test will bore students and I can imagine that. So I will use the activity just once in a while for a change from a classical way of the activity. Using the web test also gives students an exposure for computerized test taking. There is increase use of computer-based test even in elementary level and students as well as teachers need to become familiar with the technology.

I think the tool helps us to meet the standards as following:

In-TASK

Disposition 8r—The teacher is committed to exploring how to use of new and emerging technologies that can support and promote student learning.

OETS

Technology Operations and Concepts

Students utilize technology concepts and tools to learn.  Students:

1. Select, use, and troubleshoot tools efficiently.
2. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.