VoiceThread+in+Classrooms

Classroom Applications for VoiceThread


 * 1.Use VoiceThread in your music classroom **

VoiceThread can be an extremely useful tool in the classroom of a music teacher. For music appreciation and world music, use it to upload videos of performances and allow students to record their reactions and observations about the piece of music in question.

If the performance component of your course permits for one recorded performance per student, have the student upload it to a protected Voicethread document and have their classmates leave feedback by phone, video or text. It can also serve as an archiving tool for teachers to upload recording of student performances and their initial feedback to for further reflection at another time.

Voicethread can also be a useful homework tool and can aid in the elimination of paper waste. Please see my example voice thread, where students are invited to analyze and listen to an excerpt of Beethoven’s Sonatina in F Major //(2 Sonatinas for Piano, Anh. 5)// and then leave video, phone or text comments identifying the 7 musical symbols that are circled in blue. ([])


 * 2. Use VoiceThread in your English classroom **

==== Uploading poems, stories, scripts or prompts to Voicethread can save both you and your students a lot of paper, a lot of time and a lot of dragging around heavy bookbags. Used properly, Voicethread can also promote reading, writing, listening and speaking skills all in one go. ====

==== An example of how to use this tool: Split your class up in to 4 groups. Upload a poem or short story of a page or less in length for each group. Have each group read their respective poem or short story and either record or type their thoughts/comments and upload them to the voicethread document. Then have each student reply to the reflection of another member of their group. This way, all students will read, react and reflect on another person’s perspective. You as a teacher will have access to all of this, but students may take more artistic or reactive freedom knowing they are not submitting their reactions directly to you. ====


 * 3. Examples of VoiceThreads used in all classrooms and subject areas, courtesy of Suzie Vesper. **

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 * 4.Use VoiceThread in your Fine Arts Classroom **

The possibilities for creating exciting art lessons with VoiceThread are vast. Technology that lets you discuss images in groups is naturally well-suited for arts education. With VoiceThread, teachers can facilitate interactive group discussions that encourage higher-level thinking.

One VoiceThread lesson plan example for fine arts is a peer-review project. Each student can upload an electronic copy of a piece of art that they have created (photos, scanned paintings, drawings or collages, etc.). Each student can leave a comment on their work, describing it for classmates. The teacher may ask students to give feedback to their peer’s artwork. The end product will be a class slideshow of student work with comments on each piece of art.

Giving students an authentic audience encourages originality and students are more likely to take pride in their work. The lesson plan explained above can be used in any grade level and can serve as a useful tool for promoting healthy relationships among students. Students can support one another’s work and encourage one another.

VoiceThread technology opens many doors for teachers seeking interactive art lessons online.

5. Voice Thread in Economics:
Internet is rich in statistics, reports and researches on different topics regarding Economics. It is important that we use this resource outside class to increase discussion during class time. Voice Thread can be use to spark discussions outside the classroom. For example, a teacher could post an argument on a future topic. The students would have to go online and find information in the particular topic and comment about the original argument. It would create a better class discussion the following week and can provide a starting point to create groups.

Example: Teacher - Next week, we will focus on Income and Poverty. For your homework, I want you to do some research on the Web and post your opinion on the following statement: The gap in income between the rich and the poor has increased dramatically since 2000. Send your comments before 8:00 AM on Monday. __[]__

It would allow the students to think about the new unit and create an opinion on the subject. When they come back to class, they can pair up with students with similar views and find some arguments that support their opinion.

= = =6. Voice Thread in French or other languages: =

In New Brunswick, it can be a difficult task to find a supply teacher that can speak fluently French and take over your lessons. Voice Thread allows you to record your lesson with PowerPoint documents, videos and pictures. It allows you to record your voice on every slide to present a regular lesson when you are out of class.

Also, a Voice Thread file can be posted after class and accessible for students who need additional help with their homework. It can be an excellent tool to go over the material before a test. Students can post questions on your Voice Thread regarding a particular lesson and receive an explanation from home.

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