Using VoiceThread in PK-2 Classroom: Reading Reflection #8

The next article that I chose to read is written by Missy Ball and speaks about the web 2.0 tool that uses images and videos that are uploaded onto a slideshow presentation that can then be accessed by students, teachers, and parents. Student work can then be commented on through the use of a “microphone, a video camera, keyboard, or a doodle pen” (Ball, 34). Accounts that are particularly geared toward educators can be created that have a variety of membership tiers. There are paid and free versions with different accessibility options and features.

The author speaks about the usefulness of the program in the PK-2 grade level for emerging readers and writers. The reason behind this is the use of pictures and sounds that make it much more visually appealing to beginning readers. Discussions can also be started through VoiceThread which helps which students who are too shy to participate in the classroom setting.

Ball then gave a variety of ways to use VoiceThread by the different subject matters. For example in the subject of science: “The teacher can post pictures of students completing a science experiment. Students have to comment on each picture, explaining what is happening in the picture using at least three science words (Ball, 34). Another example is in the subject of art where “students can take pictures of class art and then have the student artists record themselves explaining their places and commenting on other pieces (Ball, 34). These are great ideas because they range from a variety of subject area matters and go further than just the core concepts.

The following sentence from the article made me think of the ISTE NETS: “These features lead to increased confidence in using computers and the internet, and they prepare students for reflection and revision as a part of the creative process” (Ball, 34). The standard that came to mind immediately was standard two for teachers: “design and develop digital-age experiences and assessments”.  Teachers would be able to aid students in the creative process by designing and developing digital-age experiences through VoiceThread.

I began to think if I could use VoiceThread in my classroom and immediately thought about the endless possibilities that this program has to offer. Students even have the opportunity to upload their own pictures and create their own discussions through monitored forums. I think this is a great tool to start implementing in the early years of schooling that children can use throughout their schooling experience.

Ball, M. (2012). Using VoiceThread in a PK-2 Classroom. (40) 3. 34-35. Retrieved from: http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201211#pg36