John Rocha

WHAT IS VOICETHREAD?

Voicethread is an outstanding, free, online tool that allows users to collaborate on different projects using photos, slideshows, video, and document files.  Users can also comment on any project, and therefore correspond, at any time of day no matter where he or she is located.  This tool provides five specific means of commenting and corresponding.  They can use their computer's microphone, comment by telephone, leave messages in text, download MP3/WAV files, or convey messages using webcam.

How Does Voicethread Work? 

Voicethread works in several different ways.  First one needs to create a slide. This can be done by going to Voicethread's home site -  http://voicethread.com - he or she will then need to register in order to use the sites features.  After registering, simply click on the CREATE tab.  A box will appear giving the user options for what to do next. One can upload content, create a comment, or share (e-mail, facebook, twitter, etc.) previously made material.  To continue, click the CREATE tab again and then click UPLOAD.  This box will appear: 

1) 

Then one can choose which type of file he or she wishes to upload.  Once the file loads, the user is ready to go and can leave comments and doodle (write using a virtual pen) directly on the image or video he or she is viewing.  The finished product should look like this:

2)

Notice the tab that says COMMENT.  Click this tab to leave a message in the preferred form. When the comment menu is open, one will see the telephone, webcam, record, and type icons below the slide (as shown below).  If the user clicks one, he or she can leave a comment. If slides are still, one can move forward or back using the arrow tabs in the lower left or right hand corners of the thread.

3)

This site also provides complete tutorials on how to use some of the tool's more advanced features.  Just click on the MY VOICE tab.  A list of options will appear to the left.  Click on TUTORIALS. 

If a Voicethread is made public, anyone can comment on it. If a person is working on a group project or simply wants to comment on other peoples pages, he or she can just click on the browse tab. If working on a project, the user needs to type in the name of the thread in the provided search box.  A list of related threads will appear of which the user can choose the one he or she is working on.

Here is a video displaying the basics of  using VOICETHREAD: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuZC4Fkl9xc

How can Voicethread Be Used in High School History Classrooms?

This tool can be used for history classes in a number of ways.  Along with collaborating on projects or presentations in groups, it can also be used analyze source material, whether it be  primary or secondary documents, including photos and video. Teachers can create virtual books by uploading slide shows and reading accompanying text.  They can also deliver lectures or provide instructions for assignments for students who cannot physically attend class.  Moreover, t provides a forum for students to comment and share thoughts about the notes or slideshows provided by the teacher in a less confrontational atmosphere.  It can also provide an opportunity for other educators to chime in on a teacher's projects, giving that teacher a chance to gather valuable feedback from other experienced colleagues.  

Most importantly, History teachers can help their students to understand and analyze the relevance and perspectives of different sources and other class materials without taking up precious class time.  Students can access Voicethread wherever internet access is available. By explaining these materials using Voicethread, it may be more conducive and students may be more receptive because they are using a medium to learn in which they are very comfortable with, i.e. technology.  

Here are some links to examples of how other Social Studies teachers have used Voicethread in their classrooms:

http://voicethread.com/community/library/4th_Grade__Letters_from_the_Internment_Camps/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/11th_Grade__Reconstruction_from_Molly_Lynde/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/5th_Grade__Ellis_Is_Narratives_from_Barbara_De_Santis/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/History_Podcast_with_secondaryed_students_from_Laurie_Cohen/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/Digital_storytelling_Abraham_Lincolns_dog_Fido_from_Clare_Caddell/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/The_Silk_Road_from_Constance_Vidor/

Additional Helpful Links:

http://voicethread4education.wikispaces.com/

http://voicethread.unc.edu/

http://digitallyspeaking.pbworks.com/w/page/17791585/Voicethread

https://voicethread.com/help/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3

Resources:

http://voicethread.com/

http://voicethread.com/community/library/category/socialstudies/

Photos

1) http://techpulsehe.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/voicethread-reflection-on-assignment-6/

2) http://baconbytes.wordpress.com/

3) http://innovate-ideagora.ning.com/xn/detail/2216838:Topic:12639

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuZC4Fkl9xc