Voice Thread: A Great Presentation Tool
During class on Monday 2/19, we got to learn and use a new tool called VoiceThread. VoiceThread is a tool that allows you to record your voice over a variety of media (photos, video, etc). It also has a video option that allows you record video from your webcam and place it in the presentation. Pictures can also be included in this manner. The whole process of combining media from multiple sources is pretty seamless and all tools you need to make a presentation are in one browser window. The only negative, in my opinion, is that in order to view a VoiceThread you must make an account. So if you were to have students viewing a VoiceThread you made, they would have to make an account beforehand.
This weekend I made a VoiceThread that teaches modes of natural selection that I will assign as homework in my AP Biology class this week. I did this by uploading a PowerPoint (VoiceThread takes the slides and makes each their own picture) and commenting on each slide to further explain each mode of selection. My students will then have to comment on each slide making at least 2 comments on the entire presentation so that I know they watched the VoiceThread. Students can see each other's comments which makes this learning more collaborative than watching a YouTube video. Students can also comment using their voice which is good for ELLs who may have trouble expressing their thoughts in writing. Here is the link to my VoiceThread (need an account to view it).
This weekend I made a VoiceThread that teaches modes of natural selection that I will assign as homework in my AP Biology class this week. I did this by uploading a PowerPoint (VoiceThread takes the slides and makes each their own picture) and commenting on each slide to further explain each mode of selection. My students will then have to comment on each slide making at least 2 comments on the entire presentation so that I know they watched the VoiceThread. Students can see each other's comments which makes this learning more collaborative than watching a YouTube video. Students can also comment using their voice which is good for ELLs who may have trouble expressing their thoughts in writing. Here is the link to my VoiceThread (need an account to view it).
I agree that the only negative to this tool is the fact that in order to access VoiceThread presentations is that an account is required for viewing. Other than that, I think it's a great program to incorporate into the classroom. That's awesome that you're able to incorporate it into your Biology class, exposing your students to this great tool. Maybe you could assign a project to your students that has them use VoiceThread to create their own Biology presentation. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria, I totally agree with you in that VoiceThread is a great tool to be applied to a lesson. I was wondering in the way I might do so. I really like how you incorporate it into your lesson and how you ask students to try it in their own presentation. Thanks for the brilliant idea of how VoiceThread tools may apply on a Biology class.
ReplyDeleteI like how you made your students accountable for their homework by assigning two comments on the VoiceThread. This is also less stressful for students because they can edit their comment before submitting it for the whole class to see. AND they can build off one another's ideas on the topic. I really like VoiceThread thanks for the ideas about commenting on a topic. (:
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