Voicethread

Voicethread is a great tool for having digital conversations.  Simply put, Voicethread is a multimedia presentation tool, usually created by educators, where learners can leave text, voice, and video comments, using a telephone, webcam, microphone, text comment box, or uploading an audio file.  It has the potential of promoting collaboration and dynamic discussion amongst learners.  Below is an example of a Voicethread created by our cohort in the Digital Citizenship course:

Voice adds so much when connecting and collaborating with others!  Possible uses of Voicethread in my classrooms would to have learners introduce themselves, discuss difficult concepts in the classroom, and generate questions that learners may have prior to tests and exams to tailor my review to their needs.

Personally, I would include the Voicethread tool in the social learning category of my PLE.  Technology-enhanced collaborative learning, if used from the social constructivist perspective, allow educators to innovate and invent new ways of designing, developing, and delivering learning experiences that are engaging, challenging, and stimulating; in effect, engaging both learners and educators in the construction of knowledge and meaning making beyond the classroom.   It truly creates a learning space where we, as educators, can set the tone of our social presence for learners to feel more engaged in their learning.  I am a huge advocate of collaborative learning and believe that technology, such as Voicethread, can be leveraged to create learning spaces that foster innovation, collaboration and open communication.  

Datoo, S. (cc2013)