The sound of someone’s voice can be especially relaxing, mildly annoying, creepily inviting, eerily thrilling, and/or down-right rude. However, in an online learning environment it is nice to be able to put a face and voice to a name from time to time.
A “VoiceThread (VT) is a web based application that allows for the upload
of various media formats such as videos, images, PowerPoint presentations and
documents” (Harland, 2014). This tool enables
instructors and students to add text, audio, or video to discussions within a multimedia
presentation that is shared online. VT gives creators a chance to provide additional narratives that may back up or thread through, succinct slides in their presentations. While this online program is free for a limited number of threads upon registration, you may upgrade basic user
features for an additional service fee.
The theory of connectivism suggests that learning
takes place through informal, networked,
technology-enabled means (Siemans, n.d., p. 1).
Formal or informal presentations created in VT may invite (or be made public
to) learners with various learning styles, expertise, and perspectives to
exchange, discuss, and generate new knowledge (King-Hunter, 2014, p. 10) about
a particular topic. This application can be used in a variety of ways to connect
learners both affectively and cognitively.
The following lists some of the possible learning
and teaching benefits from using VoiceThread as a presentation platform (VoiceThread
LLC, 2014):
- Presence - Text alone can’t deliver the subtlety and expression required for meaningful connection.
- Intuitive, Natural, & Powerful - Technology fades into the background, putting people and their ideas front and center.
- Anytime, Anywhere - Collaborate wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.
- A Perfect Fit - Participate using your voice, video or text, and join in the ways that work best for you.
- Integration - Bring VoiceThread right into your LMS, ERP, or other identity management system. There are no new usernames or passwords to learn, and rosters are sync’d automatically.
“VoiceThread has created opportunities for teachers to explore new
strategies for providing instruction and new ways for students to demonstrate their
understanding of concepts” (Brunvand & Byrd, 2011, p.36). Such has been this case in this doctoral
class, when I was encouraged to explore the use of VT to present my analysis on
cognition, culture and learning. Using
Dr. Harland's (2014) notes and tips on how to create VTs in combination with a little bit of
trial and error on my part, I managed to create my very first voice thread...... and so can you!
On a closing note with regards to
this Skype screenshot posted by Dr. Harland on the course announcements page, it
seems only fitting that I take this opportunity to put a name, face, and bark to this lab specimen (uterus and ovaries) for you …….meet Fergie!
REFERENCES:
Brunvand, S., & Byrd, S.
(2011). Using VoiceThread to Promote Learning Engagement and Success for All
Students. Teaching Exceptional Children, 43(4), 28-37.
Gillis, A., Luthin, K., Parette,
H., & Blum, C. (2012). Using VoiceThread to Create Meaningful Receptive and
Expressive Learning Activities for Young Children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(4), 203-211. doi:10.1007/s10643-012-0521-1
Harland, D. J. (2014, February 8). End of module 5: Beginning of
module 6 [Announcement post]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
King-Hunter, G. (2014). EDUC 8401: Cognition,
culture, and learning analysis. Unpublished manuscript, Walden University.
VoiceThread LLC (2014). Home page: Retrieved from http://voicethread.com/
Wood, K. D., Stover, K., & Kissel, B.
(2013). Using digital VoiceThreads to promote 21st century learning. Middle School Journal, 44(4), 58-64.