Foreign
Language Learning
Many universities, community colleges,
and high schools are using YackPack in their foreign
language programs. Teachers broadcast verb conjugations,
stories, dictations, and students send back individual
messages/assignments to the teacher, as well as to other
students. The proper use of accents, pronunciation, and
other nuances are more easily explained. YackPack is
also used for oral assessments. The teacher has a stored
repository of messages to show progress over time.
Distance
Education
YackPack is being used by several
distance learning institutions. It has allowed the students
to get to know each other, even in a virtual setting,
enhanced communication between students and teachers,
and provided new ways to address different modalities
of learning.
Poetry,
Literature, and Storytelling
For a virtual high school, YackPack
has brought poetry, literature, and storytelling to life
in a way that is not always possible without using voice.
Teachers read poetry and passages and students in turn
each take a turn at reading out loud and sending it to
the group. Younger students find it easier to speak than
to type their stories.
Grading
and Narrative Feedback
Dr. BJ Fogg has been using YackPack
for several years now to give feedback to his students
on their work as well as grade their work. For Dr. Fogg,
using YackPack for saves him time and the quality of
the feedback is much higher. His students enjoy receiving
feedback and grades this way much more.
Talented
and Gifted Programs
YackPack is being used with the
Math Scene Investigation classes in the Salem-Keizer
school district in Oregon. The instructors use YackPack
to explain difficult concepts and describe solutions
to the students (5th graders), for encouragement and
praise, for submitting assignments, and for communication
with parents.
Coordination
and Collaboration
Pundits, such as Technospud Jennifer
Wagner are using YackPack to collaborate with educators
on projects. Additionally many iEARN coordinators around
the world are testing YackPack to use with their multi-national
global projects. Students can also form packs to work
on group projects. With each person in the team represented
by a photo and profile, YackPack helps students built
a unified team – even if separated by geography
and time zones.
Bigger
Classroom, Longer Class Time
YackPack is helping educators
realize the potential of Web 2.0 tools. The boundaries
of the classroom are suddenly much wider when everyone
can login wherever they have internet access. And with
access 24/7 to the group, class time is suddenly expanded – and
all messages are recorded for future reference. Students
who don’t do well in synchronous environments can
succeed when taking things at their own pace. Informal
learning can take place when students see each other
online and can send yacks spontaneously. |
