Thursday, June 16, 2016

Web 2.0 Tool #7: Speaking Photos with Fotobabble



Description: Fotobabble is easy to use and flexible in its application. The tool has the potential to enhance classroom instruction by introducing digital story telling as an instructional method. The app allows students to select a photo and then add a narrative to the photo for digital story telling. Students can select an existing photo, use the in-app camera to take a new photo or load a link to a photo on the web. The app has a wide range of photo editing tools which let students add effects, themes, frames, stickers, text to images, crop, fix redeye and modify the image’s brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. Recording the narrative can be challenging at first. The user needs to avoid going into the “red” on the app’s VU meter which may be a challenge in a crowded classroom. Once the photo is edited Fotobabble will allow the student to record 30 seconds to 5 minutes of audio creating a talking photo. Creations can be shared through Facebook, Twitter, email, and text message. There are video tutorials and helpful FAQs located at the app’s settings button.


Creating opportunities for ESOL students to practice their formal academic speaking is always a challenge. In this example, I took a picture of a rubber plantation here in Liberia and explained how this natural resource is one of the main exports for this small country. After showing this example to the class, I would either assign them a photo or ask them to find a photo based on a specific topic. The recording allows me to evaluate their speaking skills as well as their knowledge of the content. Also, a student can create a portfolio of their speaking for their own review and reflection. This method could also benefit students who struggle with their writing. It provides an alternate method of assessment for content knowledge which appeals to different learning styles. 


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