40. SiLAS Solutions – Avatar animation software for social skills

As nominated by Chris Aviles of The Teched Up Teacher.

SiLAS is a browser-based web app that allows students to act out social scenes using video game pads and microphones to control their 3D avatars. SiLAS records the interaction in real-time, then produces a studio-quality animation that teachers and students can re-watch, critique, and assess. Student-performance data is tracked and animations are saved in guardian accounts allowing for crucial carryover year-to-year and outside the classroom. Kids can also create and watch interactions in full virtual reality.

The instructor selects the setting location for where the students will interact. Does the student need help initiating conversation in the cafeteria? The students can now practice the situation in the virtual cafeteria setting before going to eat their actual lunch. SiLAS is a great tool for helping kids who have social anxiety or interaction difficulties and for educating those with SEN about different social situations.