Emojis (😐😛😜😍😂😊) are semiotic representations of affection and feelings. They take the form of visual symbols used with text or without to express inner feelings, attitudes, and provide emotional cues about one’s inner state.
With the social web revolution and especially during the last couple of years, emojis have become key communicative tools used in various platforms. They have guaranteed quasi omni presence in the online digital discourse.
And as the case with GIFs, emojis have made it into the world of education as more and more teachers and educators capitalize on their affective communicative strength to boost students communication and enhance their socio-emotional learning.
There are several ways to use emojis in education 🏫all of which focus on one main theme: provide students with creative ways to communicate their emotions and opinions in a more visually expressive way.
As the saying goes, pictures speak louder 💪than words, and emojis have the visual potential to convey nuanced forms of meanings. Students can use them in online discussion platforms, in chat rooms, in emails, in writing projects, and in several other learning activities to boost engagement, express inner feelings and thoughts 👪.
Below is a collection of some of my favourite tools and apps that students can use to search for, access, and create their own custom emojis.
1- Emoji Keyboard by Joy Pixels
Emoji Keyboard offers an integrated keyboard that allows you to search for and use tons of emojis. With a single click you can insert emojis almost everywhere online including websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2- Emoji Keyboard- Emojis for Chrome
Another interesting keyboard that lets you input emojis right in a web browser. It also offers an integrated search functionality to help you search for emojis. When you hover your mouse over an emoji you will be able to see its meaning. With a single click you can copy it to your clipborad or insert it anywhere you like.
3- Webmoji
Webmoji is a search engine that lets you search for any type of emoji you want. You simply type in the meaning of the emoji you are looking for and let webmoji does the rest for you. When you find an emoji click on it to copy it directly to your clipboard. Webmoji is web-based and odes not require any registration.
4- Emoji Me Animated Faces
This is an iPad app that you can use to create custom animated emojis that can be integrated in your emails, website, chat platforms, and many more. The way it works is simple and easy: Choose an expression you like, add your text to the emojis, add animations and props, and there you go.
