Let Pictures Speak!

Blabberize is a web 2.0 tool that allows users to upload a picture, draw a "mouth" on that picture, and then record or upload a sound clip to make it speak or sing along with the sound. 

Here is a great video that can help you to create your own Blabber.

  
Some Ideas for Using  Blabberize in English Language Classrooms:

1. Students can use it at the very beginning of the semester to introduce themselves. They upload a picture for them and record a message talking about their interests and hobbies.
2. Students can describe persons, animals, and objects using their photos with mouths.
3. Students can draw their pictures, e.g., directions to a place, describing a process … etc. Then, they create blabbers to explain them to their colleagues.
4. Students can use Blabberize to retell a story. Each student selects a role and tries to imitate him or her.
5. Students can use this tool to make a summary or a reflection on the lessons and send them to the class wiki to receive feedback from the teacher and their peers.

Here is an example:  

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• write a biography about famous characters.
• create a presentation using Blabberize about the selected character.
• give feedback to each other.

Time Frame: 45 minutes 

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Computers with internet connection or Mobile Phones
• Blabberize
•  Blank sheets and pencils

Steps:

• I ask students to draw or find a picture of a character. 
• I tell them to work in groups of three and write something about him or her. They can use the internet to collect the required information.
• Using computers or mobile phones, they upload the picture and each member records a part of the presentation.
• Once they finish, the rest of students in the class listen and guess who this character is.
• Students also give each group's members some feedback about their pronunciation, grammar use, vocabulary choice, organization, and presentation skills.

Here is a model that can students watch before creating their own:

http://blabberize.com/view/id/783711