Last week during my graduate course, we explored different web 2.0 tools that could be used in our classroom. My partner and I explored VoiceThread. Although I had a little background in this tool from a previous course, I gained a wonderful understanding of the benefits and challenges of using VoiceThread, as well as finding creative new ways to use it in the classroom. |
What is VoiceThread?
You might be wondering, what is VoiceThread? VoiceThread is a web 2.0 tool that allows users to collaborate, communicate, and connect with others. Teachers and students can upload, share, and discuss documents, presentations, images, and videos. Students and teachers are able to comment on VoiceThread slides using a microphone, webcam, text, or a phone. Finally, completed VoiceThreads can be shared in different ways; they can be left private, be shared with a limited audience, or made public.
VoiceThread offers a free iOS app for iPhones and iPads. This can be found here through the iTunes app store. The same project can be worked on by using a computer and mobile devices. This means that you can begin a project on one device and edit/view it on another device. This would facilitate the completion of projects both inside and outside of school and would benefit districts with less accessibility to technology.
VoiceThread offers a free iOS app for iPhones and iPads. This can be found here through the iTunes app store. The same project can be worked on by using a computer and mobile devices. This means that you can begin a project on one device and edit/view it on another device. This would facilitate the completion of projects both inside and outside of school and would benefit districts with less accessibility to technology.
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Integrating VoiceThread into the Classroom
There are numerous ways to use VoiceThread in the classroom. As a first grade teacher, I like to find resources that allows all of my students to experience success and show their understanding. Since many of my students are still learning to read and write, VoiceThread provides a way for them to share their ideas despite ability levels. This is especially valuable for my ELL students. They can add their voice to the presentation to explain what they want to share rather than write. This is much more non-threatening for students who are working to get a better command of the English language. One interesting example I found of using VoiceThread in a first grade classroom was a class who did research and shared their learning about penguins using this web 2.0 tool. They uploaded images of penguins and then students shared their learning using the microphone on the computer. A picture of the student and their name appeared on the side of the presentation as they were reading. I thought this would be a wonderful way to share with parents what is happening in the classroom.
Some other ways to incorporate VoiceThread into the classroom across different grade levels are:
The opportunities are limitless. Find other ideas, as well as tips for teachers, in the document, Engaging Learners with VoiceThread. In addition to lesson ideas, find tips for teachers which are perfect for those looking to start incorporating more technology into their classroom.
Some other ways to incorporate VoiceThread into the classroom across different grade levels are:
- student portfolios
- publishing student work (allowing for commenting)
- digital storytelling
- journaling
- digital pen pals
- explaining math problems
The opportunities are limitless. Find other ideas, as well as tips for teachers, in the document, Engaging Learners with VoiceThread. In addition to lesson ideas, find tips for teachers which are perfect for those looking to start incorporating more technology into their classroom.
Resources
Still not sure how you can use VoiceThread in your classroom? Check out the Digital Library on the VoiceThread website. It offers articles and samples of successful VoiceThread lessons across multiple grades and content areas. You can see all the examples by scrolling down, or you can search by category on the left sidebar.
Final Thoughts
VoiceThread is a wonderful tool to foster collaboration and active learning within the classroom. This web 2.0 tool is easy to use for learners of all ages and can enhance instruction in any content area. There are numerous examples on the web of teachers successfully using this tool in their own classrooms. Try searching for something you are teaching and you will likely find many examples of ways to use VoiceThread in your own classroom.