Leveraging the Power of VoiceThread

1. TESOL 2016 Baltimore
Ms. Summer Peixoto
Dr. Melissa Stamer Peterson
Leveraging the Power of VoiceThread

2. • What is VoiceThread?
▫ Definition and features
• What you can do
▫ Features
▫ Educational value
• Examples
▫ Examine real examples
• Demonstration
▫ Learn how to create and comment
Why are we here today?

3. • “Innovative technological tools, programs, and software can be
used to promote student engagement, motivation, and
ultimately enhance the quality of the learning experience for
all students.” (Brunvand & Byrd, 2011 p. 28)
• So…the bigger question should be WHY NOT?
Why Voicethread?

4. • Easily accessible (cloud-based)
• Applicable across all skills and all levels of language instruction
• Cost-effective (free or reasonable purchasing options)
• Few technological requirements (reliable internet, updated
Adobe and Flash Player, and quality headsets with microphone
options)
VoiceThread is…

5. • A cloud-based tool used to create, share, and collaborate on
individual or group projects.
• An on-going asynchronous conversation centered around
images, presentations, PowerPoints, and videos.
• A technology tool useful in ESL classrooms for
all language skills and proficiency levels.
What is VoiceThread

6. • Discuss privately
• Moderate commenting
features for privacy control
• Comment using multiple
modes
• Integrate and assess higher
order thinking skills
• COLLABORATE
• Assign on-line presentations
• Create oral discussion boards
• Design oral pronunciation
quizzes
• Assess speaking skills
• Apply to all skills
• Produce oral feedback
• Respond quickly and directly
What can you do with VoiceThread?

7. • Engaged learning
• Active learning
• Student-driven learning
• Collaborative work
Educational Value: Meeting Course Outcomes

8. • Click on the lock box to send
a private reply.
• See your reply appear.
• Follow a thread of private
replies.
Purpose: Begin a two-way
conversation with someone
who has commented on a
VoiceThread.
Private Comment Features

9. • Comment moderation means moderating viewable student
recorded comments
Using Comment Moderation

10. • Free-flow conversation
• Course goals and outcomes
do not lend themselves to
teacher-moderated work
• Conversational-style
commenting is necessary for
on-going, uninterrupted
work
Why Not?
• Creating assessments and
supporting students’ right to
privacy
• Collecting submission for a
challenge, game, or quest
• Moderating to arrange
conversations for maximum
impact . (Ex. Reorder
comments by clicking and
dragging.)
Why?
Why Use Comment Moderation?

11. • Brunvand, S., & Byrd, S. (2011). Using VoiceThread to promote learning
engagement and success for all students. Teaching Exceptional Children,
43(4), 28-37.
References