Voicethread

Voicethread is an easy tool which allows people to create a response and attach it to one or more images.   Responses may be collected in one of five ways:  computer microphone, telephone, text, audio file (MP3/WAV), and webcam.  Voicethread also allows a user to edit a file visually using many different colours while providing corresponding audio explanation.  Multiple responses may be attached to a single file thereby allowing many students to reflect on a particular production. 

http://voicethread.com/       Educators can sign up for their own account.

How do I use Voicethread to Encourage my Students to Think Critically? 

Voicethread is one of many available "mediums" through which students may send a "message".  Students should create a script to  accompany their proposed images.  An appropriate time limit should be placed on presentations to encourage students to think about their main message and ensure that message is delivered succinctly.

Alternatively, a voicethread presentation could follow a typical five paragraph essay format:  the first slide and explanation will present the thesis, the next three slides will provide the support for that thesis, and the final slide will act as a conclusion.

Students must give careful consideration to their audience and purpose before choosing images and explanations.  They must also be reminded about referencing information and using only images they themselves create or that may legally be used by them.  This opportunity provides a nice segueway to Creative Commons.

Sample Voicethread Products

In this voicethread a young boy explains his 5 step writing process.

http://voicethread.com/share/12295/

In this voicethread, the problem of our aging population and their care is addressed.

http://voicethread.com/share/967331/

In this voicethread, a librarian shares short book talks about current literary choices.

http://voicethread.com/share/25669/

Course Ideas for Using Voicethread

Art Courses

Teachers can post images and have students respond.  Alternatively, teachers may respond to their students' work.

Mathematics

Students can show and explain the steps they took to solve an mathematical equation.

Technology

Students can take pictures during the process of building an object.  They can then arrange those pictures chronlogically and verbally explain their building process.

Special Education

Students who are nervous of presenting in front of a class may prepare their presentation using voicethread and the final product may be shown to the class.

Teacher Conferencing

Teachers can load documents/assignments that students have created onto voicethread and then provide verbal and visual feedback in lieu of an in-person student conference.

English, History or any other Course Involving Essay Writing

Have students create a visual essay.  They still must plan out their thesis and support and present it in a succinct fashion, but VoiceThread offers an alternative way to do it:  slide 1 = introduction; slide 2, 3, 4 = support; and slide 5 = conclusion.

Dance or Phys. Ed.

Have student video tape each other doing an activity related to their curriculum.  Then have the students critique themselves using VoiceThread.  They load up the video and then speak, or for that matter types, their feedback on their performance.  Perhaps they even desire to use the writing tool to hone in on specific areas to improve.