VoiceThread

VoiceThread (2009) is a website which allows you to upload images, or documents and have them critiqued in a number of ways. I had a look through the website and watched several of the pre-existing VoiceThreads and was amazed at the variety that people had uploaded.

This type of technology would have several applications in the classroom, both simply for fun, and for more educational purposes. Some examples of how I would like to use this type of technology in a primary school classroom are listed below:

• As a means for students to safely express their opinion. Many students are shy and do not like to stand up in front of the class to give an opinion, this technology allows students to have their say without the added pressure of being the centre of attention.
  
• This would be a great tool for reflecting on projects. For example, if the class undertook a science experiment, the teach could upload some photos of the process and students can comment on what worked, what didn't work, and what they might change next time.
  
• Students could tell progressive stories, with the first student making a comment about the picture or photo displayed to start the story, and the following students responding to this comment by continuing the story. This is an activity which is already employed in many classrooms, using VoiceThread simply allows these fun games to be translated into the digital world.
  

These are just some of the many ways that this technology could be used in the classroom. All of the students that i know would have so much fun fiddling with this type of application, and in many cases, they would be having so much fun being actively engaged in the program that they would not even realise that they are learning!

VoiceThread. (2009). VoiceThread. Retrieved on August 21, 2009 from voicethread.com