Animated Avatars: Fun in Learning Activities and Feedback

Have you ever wondered how to make your presence during online meetings or learning sessions more engaging and fun? In a recent episode of the Voc Talk Café, I received a question about creating animated avatars (Thank you Katryn!). I’ve compiled a list of free applications that allow you to build animated avatars that not only resemble you but also add a touch of creativity to your virtual persona.
(Note: The comments below are based only on functionality. Verify with your school broad’s IT service for security and privacy concerns)

Avatar Application in Teams: Your Virtual Alter Ego

Microsoft Teams has introduced a new functionality that lets you create animated avatars right from your mobile or desktop. You’ll need the right Microsoft licence (A3 or A5) and you may need to ask your IT service to activate access. You get to customise your avatar by selecting characteristics from a menu. Whether you want to record yourself solo or collaborate with a colleague in a Teams recording, the avatar will mimic what your camera is capturing. Check out the tutorial link to get started on bringing your virtual alter ego to life.

Zepeto: A Tool for Avatar Expression

For a more expressive and social avatar experience, try Zepeto. This Korean mobile app is like a TikTok for avatars. Create videos that not only stay on the platform but can also be downloaded and shared elsewhere. Be cautious about notifications, though, as Zepeto’s popularity can lead to a flood of alerts. Get started by downloading the app on your mobile device and follow the tutorial link to master the art of avatar expression.

Animaker: An Online Animation Platform with Canva-Like Ease

Animaker is another web based platform that you can use. The interface is somewhat similar to the one of the popular online graphic design tool Canva. The free plan has some limitations, such as three monthly downloads and their brand’s watermark. Explore the possibilities by visiting the website link.

Convert Your Avatar Video into a GIF

Now that you’ve created your animated masterpiece, why not take it a step further and turn it into a GIF? GIFs can be a playful addition to documents, slides, emails, and online conversations. Here are three platforms to help you with the conversion process:

Giphy.com: Probably the most popular platform for creating and sharing GIFs.

Kapwing.com: An online tool that allows you to edit and convert videos into GIFs seamlessly.

VEED.IO: A versatile platform that simplifies the process of turning videos into GIFs.

Animated avatars that resemble you and can inject a sense of fun and creativity into your virtual presence can be useful in building a relationship with your students. Whether you’re using the Avatar application in Teams, exploring the expressive world of Zepeto, or crafting animations with Animaker, the possibilities are endless. Elevate your virtual interactions and make learning activities more engaging with these animated avatars.

James Burn and I offer our services free of charge to vocational teachers, departments, centres and school boards across Quebec. We can be easily contacted through this website recitvt.qc.ca.