YackPack | simply connected

I was working on a project the other day when I stumbled across this tool. I think it has value for classroom teachers and hope that you investigate it further and consider how it can be applied for your situation.

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Tool: http://www.yackpack.com

What Is “YackPack”?

Yackpack is a Web 2.0 tool that allows for both asynchronous voice messaging and real time chat. Created by Dr. B.J. Fogg of Stanford University, this web tool provides the opportunity for groups to communicate effectively, publicly or privately, on the Internet.

Messaging with YackPack is convenient – login, listen, record and send messages when you want. All messages are stored on the site for future reference. For virtual learning environments, YackPack can offer a way to make emotional and personal connections by capturing the power of the human voice.

Why Use “YackPack”?

YackPack is a fast, fun and easy way to connect with people, whether they are family, friends or classmates. Use the tool to communicate when you want on your schedule, avoiding the traditional limitations of geography and time zones. Real time communication is also available when other are logged in. There is not software to install or navigation menus to master. It is as simple as click, talk, send.

Instructional Ideas for “YackPack”…

• Foreign language teachers can “YackCast” on topics such as vocabulary, verb conjugation, etc. to an class. Students can respond with their own YackPack message to the teacher or other students.

• Accents, pronunciation, or other spoken nuances are hard to learn from a textbook. Foreign language teachers can use YackPack to provide individual feedback on those topic to student.

• Assignments for oral practice in speaking and presentation skills can also be assigned by foreign language teachers.

• When working on collaborative projects, students can form a YackPack to build a sense of “team”, even when physical geography may separate them.

• Language arts teachers can offer advice to online students online how read poetry. Students can practice on their own and then read their poem using YackPack to post it for teachers or classmates.

• YackPack offers all teachers the opportunity to provide encouragement and/or feedback to all students, whether meeting face-to-face or online. If online, the voices of the course participants can help to build a rapport among students and between students and the teacher.

Please add your ideas for using this tool in the classroom by submitting your comments to this post!

“YackPack” in Action…

Project: Graduate Workshop Course for Educators

School: Millersville University

Course: EDW 609 – Integrating Microcomputer Technology into the Curriculum

The purpose of this course is to help teachers learn to effectively integrate technology into classroom instruction to improve instruction and learning. The facilitator uses this tool to…

1. Provide detailed feedback to students on project submissions.
2. Demonstrate how providing feedback can be a powerful instructional strategy for improving student performance and learning.
3. Engage participants in a Web 2.0 tool.
4. Have fun!

Additional Resources for “YackPack”…

4 Clicks to Know YackPack

http://www.yackpack.com/videos/4Clicks/4Clicks.html

Introduction to YackPack

http://www.yackpack.com/videos/YPIntro20060807/YPIntro20060807.html

YackPack in the Classroom

http://www.yackpack.com/videos/Ed/Ed.html

Insert a YackPack Voice Chat Widget in Your PBwiki!

http://www.pbwiki.com