Today I was able to watch a webinar from Classroom 2.0 on VoiceThread. I was introduced to VoiceThread in another class but have not had an opportunity to use it yet. VoiceThread is web 2.0 tool that allows the user to combine images, text, and video to create a multimedia slide show. Once the presentation has been created other users can doodle on the slides and leave video, audio, and text comments.
The webinar explained what VoiceThread is and how to use it. It also gives you tips on how to use it in the classroom. One of the best tips from the webinar on encouraging collaboration is to ask a question in the VoiceThread for the commentators to answer. Also, you don't allows have to create the VoiceThread. Another way to check learning is to search VoiceThreads for a slide show on material you are currently teaching and have your students comment and add to the VoiceThreads.
After listening to the webinar, I spent sometime on the VoiceThread website exploring the types of slides shows there are out there. I found a great VoiceThread on the 50 States. It was a collaborative VoiceThread in which students in each state left facts about their state as audio, video, or text comments. I also found a VoiceThread book review and report done by elementary students - just think you could have international reading groups!
I think I could use VoiceThread in my classroom as an alternative assessment. Students could receive feedback on their work from their classmates, parents, and teachers. This is definitely a tool that will help me increase the authentic audiences for students' work.
Great VoiceThread resources:
Are you using VoiceThread in your classroom? How?
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I just tried to access the webinar, but, unfortunately, the site was down for maintenance. I did view/listen to the elementary school book review and was impressed. I've never used VoiceThread before, but I can see there are many authentic possibilities for using it with my students. I will try the webinar again later.
ReplyDeleteI spent some time looking at the website, and the possibilities for using VoiceThread are endless. There are many sites available to share slideshows, but I like the fact that VoiceThread allows collaboration. I am always looking for new ways to engage my students with the curriculum. This not only enables collaboration, but also peer review. I like the idea of using it as an alternative assessmen also. Quick aside, Laura - where in the Netherlands do you live? I lived in Hilversum for 3 years back in the 90's. Loved it!
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