Bitmoji

Bitmoji is an app and Chrome Extension where "users can create avatars of themselves or others which then can be combined with messages and icons to create custom images. These images can then be sent via text, social media, or email, or you can even add them to documents."  I reckon your students are already using Bitmoji, so using these avatars would be a unique way to start communicating with them.  As feedback in a Google Doc, in an email, or on social media, Bitmoji are "an accessible way to connect with students."

Please keep in mind that Bitmoji is for students 13 and older, so maybe save this for the end-of-the-year 8th grade classes.  Students don't have to use them, however, you as the teacher can save these ideas for yourself.  

Common Sense Media gives some suggestions on using Bitmoji in the classroom:

• Students can create their own Bitmoji to use as a profile image rather than using their actual picture, as a digital safety measure. 
• Teachers can use encouraging Bitmoji messages, delivered by their custom avatar, to give students feedback on assignments or in email messages or to send playful well wishes for birthdays or other achievements. 
• Students could create Bitmojis to represent characters in books or films in an ELA classroom or make a modern version of a historical figure in a social studies classroom.

To get Bitmoji on your computer, go to the Chrome Web Store and search "Bitmoji."  Once added, the extension will appear next to your search bar.  You will have to create a free account and then customize your avatar to resemble you.

To use Bitmoji as student feedback, click on the extension and select from the categories.

Drag your chosen Bitmoji into a Google Doc.  It is suggested by tech guru Alice Keeler to create a table first.  That way the image is a reasonable size.  Note that Bitmojis do not go into the Google Doc "comments" section.

Here is a video on how to combine Bitmoji with Google Slides aka App Smashing.  More on that later.