Amy Kuntz from Penn State University presented at the Lilly Conference online a twenty-minute recorded session entitled “Humanizing ONline & Remote Learning Through Bitmojis.” Kuntz is an instructional designer and adjunct faculty member. They create a virtual online environment for meetings with students! Kuntz defined bitmojis and how they can be used in courses. One instructor embedded a bitmoji in Canvas pages of her wearing a “Save the parasites” t-shirt! Another instructor used bitmojis as professional photos: this instructor crafted her image in caricature form and utilized it as a talking point in class, according to Kuntz. Another instructor created a bitmoji classroom with lots of elements and when you click on them, they play audio! This instructor did it so that participants can engage and click on different items in the bitmoji classroom. Another instructor encouraged participants to create bitmoji versions of themselves and placed them into slides with a classroom background. Kuntz shared examples from their own teaching experience. They created a fun classroom background that is fun and encouraging. Kuntz would change the text on the blackboard and the seasons. Kuntz also created a “Netflix environment” and had students work in breakout rooms to discuss what they are watching. This activity was used as an ice breaker. Kuntz also shared several examples of bitmojis to introduce topics, encourage participants, and build community. Kuntz shared studies on emojis and bitmojis in education and how they can help students and the classroom environment. Kuntz also demonstrated how to create your own bitmojis. Carly and I have been using bitmojis for several semesters. I was convinced by her and have enjoyed finding relevant bitmojis that are meaningful for course participants. Kuntz also explained that there is a Google Chrome extension for bitmoji creation. I didn’t realize how easy it is to include bitmojis as part of Google Slides! Kuntz also shared how to search and download backgrounds. The backgrounds can be accessed using the URL: https://bit.ly/bitmoji2022 Kuntz also shared how to find images using Unsplash and then Remove Background tools. What a fun session! I am still exploring the resources Kuntz shared and, I am grateful for their generosity!
