Talking Photos

Convert any photo into a talking character with PQ Talking Photo. Currently it runs on Windows XP/Vista, but a Mac version is expected sometime this year. Here is what it can do:

• Create animated characters from any photo you want.
• Easy to use. With simple mouse clicks, the animation can be generated in a few seconds.
• Only one picture is needed to construct a realistic 3D face for animation
• Animate any human or animal photos, paintings, drawings or even sketchs.
• Automatically match lip movement with voice.
• Support any spoken languges: English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Create your talking photo album, live avatars on blogs, funny greeting card, pets talk show, etc.

Note: If you blog about it, they will send you a free copy of the software.

I was pondering the classroom applications of this fun tool before having an adequate dose of morning caffeine when I came across David Muir's post from his EdCompBlog. He has some great ideas:

I think there is great educational potential for animated talking pictures. You could get a picture of an historical character and put pupil generated words in their mouth... Or get pupils to talk in the persona of a fictional character... Or different pupils could record the same message but present it in different ways depending on the emotions shown by the person in the picture - in anger, in sadness, with resignation etc.

Fun With Photos

Winter break is over. It was a time for many of us to connect with families and friends. If you had a camera clicking the whole time, what will you do with all those images? Now you can get creative and have fun with your photos. Check out fd's Flickr Toys for some ways to express yourself and share your pictures.

This photo used the motivational poster feature. I can imagine some great posters for the classroom. At Hosmer School, we are "Respectful, Responsible, Hardworking and Successful". Maybe we will see some posters created by the students that reflect these traits?

Transitions...Can You See It?

I look around at my environment to help me transition to the fall season. Frankly, it is not working. Just this week on a bike ride along the Charles River, I noticed a group of trees with spring blossoms. It is still mostly green around here in Massachusetts. Today was warm and humid requiring shorts and tank shirts. I like it but I am confused.

This reminds me of the importance of visual information. The visual information I am getting from my environment is not helping me make the transition from summer to autumn! Make sure the visuals we provide students are clear and meaningful. Karen Janowski's post on Less is More is worth reading and reflecting. The point that "Seeing is Understanding" is helpful not only to many of us, but essential to those individuals with autism. Let's look at situations and see if we can add visuals that will provide just the information our students need.