Journal 9

Web 2.0 and VoiceThreads

After scouring Web 2.0 and learning more about posting Powerpoints as Flash images, and use of map quests in introductory classroom blogs, I ran across voicethreading. VoiceThreads seem to be a graphical production ..”that allows people to make comments, either audio, textt or newly added webcams, and share them with anyone they wish (voicethread.com). A VoiceThread allows an entire group's story to be told and collected in one place.”. Images are classically uploaded to www.voicethread.com, where K-12 Educators enjoy free, unlimited use and storage http://voicethread.com/about/pro/ of produced voicethreads for the classroom.

Several Science educators have used voicethreads successfully in the middle school classroom. One project had students discuss a variety of animals in the animal kingdom. They explained basic information about the animals, their adaptions and limitations and showed excellent footage of the focused species. The students were responsible for researching a specific animal, finding suitable images and for recording the discussion on the computer with a microphone.

The microphone seemed to be a factor to consider, as desktop PCs proved to be less user-friendly in operation with Windows. Comments for microphones and Macs were all favorable, and most laptops actually have a microphone built in for general use.

Although it was initially difficult to register for my free educator account (I guess we should have to work a little for a free acct!), I would highly recommend you check out this technology if you would like an easy and inexpensive way to ease into technology in your K-8 classroom. This technology has uses in high school as well, and can easy be adapted to English poems, and reflective “audio-journaling” on literary works. A few educators have incorporated foreign language into voicethreads, and I can see the incorporation of voicethreads into documenting and discussing science projects before a science fair (great practice!) and service learning/social justice content pieces in the humanities. I hope to be able to use this technique with my six year old, as we focus on creative ways to increase reading comprehensive at home!