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Like masks of any kind, avatars hide and reveal at the same time

people can conceal some personal things about themselves, but the av also selectively amplifies other aspects of their personalities.

People may simply say that they are wearing a particular av because "I like it." When asked, they're not sure what it says about them. But other people may know.

Using Avatars An avatar can be an important device for presenting an e-learning lesson. Adding a face to your module will add interest and motivation for learners. It gives them a person to connect with, in much the same way they would to an instructor or mentor in a more traditional setting. The avatar also can present material in a more conversational tone, perhaps even building up a story that will further engage learners and encourage knowledge retention. Here are just some highlights on how avatars can aid e-learning: guide the learner through the course present content for the lesson pose questions provide tips prompt reflection on the subject speak directly to the learner use a conversational tone that is appropriate for the topic.

As new media is transforming culture, we transform ourselves into digital iden-tities in the information age

Digital identities are who we say we are, when weare online. They can be a subtype of a public persona, an extension of our ‘true’selves, or they can be completely fabricated and fantastical, to function as a mask to hide the identity of an Internet user from rest of the world.

Digital identities arethe content of the Internet; they are the performers who draw in the audience,and inspire the passive audience to become more active, interactive and creative

1. Training teachers Avatars are being used specifically for teacher training. Specially designed avatars realistically imitate different types of students to help teachers practice classroom management and relate to their students. The trainee teachers stand in front of a projection screen on which they see avatars that are being controlled, or acted out, by actual students trained to behave a certain way. Other noises or outbursts like laughing or obnoxious sound effects are added to simulate a fully realistic experience

2. Vokis Vokis are speaking avatars, and teachers in all subjects, but especially language classes, are using them by recording their own voices to match their digital avatar. Using more animated avatars helps students who feel disconnected from class discussions or who are more audio learners rather than visual learners process material and relate to the lesson more personally. Language teachers have been using vokis to help students with pronunciation and conversation, letting them voice-over their own avatars.