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Social Media: Yackpack

YackPack ( http://yackpack.com/ ) 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. 

YackPack was created by Dr. B.J. Fogg. At Stanford University he teaches in both the School of Education and Computer Science Department. Learn more about Dr. Fogg: http://www.bjfogg.com/

What is Yackpack?

YackPack messaging is done at your convenience. You log in when you want, you listen, and you yack. All the messages are stored for future reference.

Most important, YackPack captures and conveys the expressiveness of voice putting emotion into virtual learning environments and enhancing traditional classroom interactions outside of class time.


YackPack can quickly improve educational communication. Motivate students, give quality feedback with ease and communicate clearly with students, parents and administrators. YackPack's simple and convenient interface allows students and teachers to focus on content and not be distracted by the underlying technology.

 

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. 

 

Yackpack & Classroom 2.0


Here are just a few ways to use Yackpack in the classroom:

  • Grade student work, giving quality narrative feedback and saving yourself time.
  • Give assignments for oral practice in foreign language learning as well as speaking and presentation skills.
  • Offer encouragement on assignments.
  • Discuss topics as a class, as staff, as a district, and with other educators.
  • Answer questions from students. Watch a short movie showing teacher-student interactions in YackPack.
  • Collaborate with other classrooms.
  • Invite guests to join in from around the world.
  •  You can talk in real time - just push and talk. Everyone logged in can hear you.

Yackpack and ESL/EFL Learning

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.


Learn More
 


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