Voice Threads

Voice threads is an e-tool I unaware of until now. A voice thread can hold an entire a group discussion around media whether it be images, video, documents, presentations, or any combination of them. It is a user friendly interactive environment that enables anyone with the ability to view voice threads to participate in them whether that be by phone, file upload, webcam, microphone or text and a participant can even draw while they are commenting. Students are able to completely control their comments and can delete them at any time.

Kearsley and Shneiderman (1999) explained that “an ICT environment, is best suited to providing a meaningful and authentic experience for students, one that can be configured to simulate the kinds of experiences students will face outside of the classroom.”
Teachers have been using images to provoke thoughtful conversations with students 'about the stories behind the picture” (Muth and Papell 2007). This means that conceivably voice threads could be used to integrate literacy and technology as well as promote collaborative group work in an online environment. This new technology allows us to extend on this and enables a continuation of the learning from home as well.
Link to my voice thread.

http://voicethread.com/share/768775/

In this voice thread I have asked people to consider a quote "Teachers rate more attractive pupils as having greater academic potential" (Clifford, 1975) and have used a photo of school seats as a backdrop to both the quote and the context at which we are examining it in. I am eager to hear whether people agree with this statement and what their thoughts are regarding it.


Please come and comment.

Image courtesy of:
http://www.will-lion.com/mindbites & http://www.flickr.com/photos/josephrobertson/112295678/

References

Clifford, M. (1975). Physical attractiveness and academic performance. Child Study Journal, Vol. 5, pp. 201-209.

Kearsley, G, and Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A Framework for Technology-based Teaching and Learning, 1-6. Retrieved 28th November, 2009 from
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Muth B. and Papell, B. (2007) VoiceThread FAQ. Retrieved December, 01 2009 from http://voicethread.com/help/faq/