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.

Would you like to be in touch with an educator using YackPack? Let us know and we can put you in contact!