NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Voki, a division of Oddcast Inc. (the creators of ElfYourself) announces the release of their mobile app - now available for both iOS and Android. Voki is a popular edtech software that enables teachers and students to create and customize speaking avatars (known as a Vokis) using their own spoken voice. Voki’s avatar collection includes relatable cartoons, historical & fantasy figures, multicultural representations, holiday characters and much more.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca9c9446-2586-4ff4-8dfa-a0bb2be8c8f6
Since its beta release in the Apple app store in August, the Voki mobile app has had over 200,000 downloads. The official Voki app release brings dozens of new avatars to all mobile devices. Paid Voki subscribers and their students will have access to unlock all avatars, with non-subscribers given the option to unlock all avatars for $9.99. The company anticipates increased user engagement by strengthening the bridge between students and educators through their evolving computing habits inside and outside the classroom – the end result being an enhanced educational experience.
“We are extremely excited to announce the official launch of Voki’s mobile application. The release is a major step towards our long term goal of making Voki accessible to every student and teacher in the world,” says Gil Sideman, C.E.O. “Keeping up with the evolving trend of the ‘smart’ classroom, we now encourage students and teachers around the world to access Voki on their smartbooks and mobile devices, extending the Voki teaching and learning experience to a format that is both familiar and accessible.”
Voki now offers millions of “mobile only” users the opportunity to bring gamification into the classroom. As a result, educators and students can take a new and unique ownership of the learning experience with the convenience of mobile integration.
“Today’s classroom is embracing ed-tech more than ever and students have unprecedented technological literacy,” adds Sideman. “Voki is embracing these trends by adapting the educational experience to the predominant platforms of the age.”
Teachers around the world are applauding the efficacy of Voki in the classroom to engage students.
“Last school year during Q4 I tried out Voki for the first time. I teach inner city struggling urban middle school students at a Level 4 school and before Voki, no project impressed them,” said Sheila Slawiak, an Instructional Technology Teacher for grades 6-8. “To my surprise, they were so involved with all the activities in order to produce a talking persuasive avatar. For the first time, there were no moans or groans inundating the lab, or piercing eyes staring at me. For the first time, I was able to facilitate peer reviews where each student really took an interest in their partners’ work. For the first time, each student wanted to present their findings. For the first time, each student either scored a 3 or a 4 on my rubric vs. 0-3s. And for the first time, I was rated with high evaluative scores from my principals! We all won and I attribute these wins to Voki! Next school year, I’ll invite parents!”
The Voki app is now available for download on Android and iOS devices.
About Voki:
Voki is an edtech division of Oddcast Inc. (the Creator of ElfYourself), a software company based in Midtown Manhattan, NY. Voki enables teachers and students to create dynamic, customizable speaking avatars (known as a Vokis) using their own spoken voice. Voki’s avatar collection includes relatable cartoons, historical & fantasy figures, multicultural representations, holiday avatars and much more. Voki avatars can be shared and/or embedded on a variety of platforms and social networks. Voki’s basic offering allows anyone to enjoy the Voki experience for free with the option to upgrade for additional features. Voki paid subscriptions include a Voki presentation tool, a classroom management tool and a massive library of ready-to-use Voki presentations, which includes Common Core-aligned lessons narrated by Voki animated avatars.
Voki also offers a discounted subscription for both schools and districts.