Some of you may be questioning why this made the top 8 for BYOD tools - it's been around a long time? Actually, Voicethread has been evolving with the educational demand for better, faster, stronger tools for learning. This tool can be used on multiple platforms and inspires not only creativity but collaboration.
WCPSS has a district wide account so all usage for teacher and student are at no cost. Please see upper right for Log On information. |
VoicethreadWCPSS VoiceThread Log On:
http://wcpss.ed.voicethread.com Username: wcs+employee ID (no leading zeros) Password: employee ID What products come out of this module?
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Step 1 - discovery/rediscovery
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Voicethread (VT) has a webpage with some great resources on how to create, edit, share and collaborate using this tool. Because it was revamped in 2014 even those that think they are familiar with the tool may want a little refresher on the enhanced options. Many of the features have evolved into a very sleek application.
Assignment 1
Take a topic from your class for which you would encourage an open class discussion. Create a VT that would accomplish that discussions objective in an online setting. Please use the button below to share your VT link. |
Step 2 - Synthesis/Comparative VT
We all know that synthesis and evaluation of information is at the height of topic mastery. By designing opportunities for students to make judgements or interpret processes we give them a self-evaluative tool. This can be achieved through various criteria that support opinions and views of concepts. Please read this table on Compare & Contrast as a Learning Tool by Harvey Silver. It summarizes the reasons that we use this technique to help students be successful in learning more complex concepts.
Assignment 2
You will be creating a lesson plan that incorporates the use of a VT to inspire evaluative/comparative thinking. You probably already have a plan created so it is more a matter of interjecting VT as your tool for learning. Once you have worked VT into your lesson please post it using the button to the right. Create your lesson using a Google Doc. If you're enhancing a Word document simply upload to your Google Drive and share so that anyone can view. (Link to Google Tutorials) |
Still a little unsure of VT; below are two examples of taking an event or time period and using it as a comparative to encourage creative thinking. The main topic of the first VT is the speed of light and it's relation to disruption of that time/space continuum by Cornell University. The second example uses a familiar person/family member that you can relate to some time in history. In this case a reflection on the early 1900's. Feel free to comment if you'd like.
Example 1: http://voicethread.com/new/share/3412628/ Example 2: http://voicethread.com/new/share/5852360/ |
Step 3 - Student CollaborationPlease read this article titled, Collaborative Learning Enhances Critical Thinking, to help with some ideas on materials possible for use in the classroom.
Assignment 3 Create or enhance a lesson that incorporates students creation of a VT that will be shared with their classmates. In other words, students will create a project that encourages commentary from their fellow students on a particular topic. You might even have part of the project requirements being that the student VT all end with an open ended question for response. Once again please use a Google Doc or link from your Google Drive to submit your lesson plan. The button to the right is your link. |