1. Avatars in Forums
This guide demonstrates how to add an avatar to a profile in the new Glow
Forums. An avatar is a computer user's representation of themselves, usually in
the form of a computer graphic, cartoon or photograph.
Finding an Avatar
There are many free websites that allow you to create a cartoon Avatar. Some of
them ask you to sign up – be careful to check the authenticity of the website if it
is asking for you personal details.
Some of the ones you might want to try are listed below:
Block head iconizer
Lego based website –
http://www.reasonablyclever.com/blockhead/index.htm face only
The Mini Mizer
Lego based website –
http://www.reasonablyclever.com/mini/flash/minifig.swf whole body
My Avatar Editor
Based on Nintendo‟s
http://www.myavatareditor.com/ wii mii
Simpsons Avatar Click Create a
Simpsons Avatar
http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/main.html
from the home page
There are many more websites available.
Alternatively, you might want to use an image that you have already saved to
your folder.
Most of these websites will create your Avatar but you are not ready to use them
yet – you must save the image as a JPEG and there are rules for how big (or
small) the image should be.
1. Choose a website to create your Avatar and follow the onscreen
instructions to create your Avatar before reading on.
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2. Avatars in Forums
Saving an Avatar
You should now see your Avatar on the screen.
I have chosen My Avatar Editor and I followed the instructions on screen to
produce the following Avatar:
You now need to „capture‟ your picture and resize it:
2. Press the print screen button on the keyboard to capture the
screen
3. Open Paint (found in programs | Accessories)
4. Select Edit | Paste from the menu
5. Choose the select tool
6. Drag the curser over your Avatar
7. Select Edit | Copy from the menu
8. Select File | Open from the menu to open a new document
9. Select File | Paste from the menu
10. Select File | Save as and save your Avatar to your folder
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3. Avatars in Forums
11. Open your folder so that you can see your new file
12. Right click on the new Avatar file and select Open with… Microsoft Office
Picture Manager
13. Select from the toolbar
14. You now need to resize your picture
15. Click Resize and then Custom width x height – the
sizes will depend on how square your original
picture is – it is important to make sure that the
biggest number is no bigger than 90 (the other
number might be smaller than 90 – it will change by
itself
16. Select File | Save to save your file
You are now ready to upload your Avatar to the Glow Forum!
Uploading an Avatar
17. Log in to the Glow
18. Go to the S1 ICT Glow group
19. Go to your class page
20. A forum has been created for you in your Glow group – click
to access it
21. A new window will open – the first time you will see a message saying
“shibboleth authentication” – don‟t worry – it‟s normal!
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4. Avatars in Forums
22. Select
23. In options, select Profile
24. Select Edit Avatar
25. Click Browse and find your Avatar in your own folder
26. Click Submit
You should get the message “Your profile has been updated”
27. Click Return to the User Control Panel
28. Click on the logo to take you back to your forums; we will
reply to a discussion together
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