VoiceThread is an online application that can store images, documents, and videos, as well as allow people to comment on these files. There are various ways one can comment on a file such as with a microphone or telephone, standard text, audio file, or even a video comment if the user has a webcam. VoiceThread lets a group have a conversation through multiple forms of media in one place without even being physically near each other. This application takes advantage of the internet and media to form a seamless chat experience.
Advantages of the tool
A great advantage of this application is that it accepts all image file types and many video file types. One will most likely not have to convert their file to another file because VoiceThread is compatible with nearly any audio, video, or image file. Another advantage of VoiceThread is how secure it is. It is entirely up to the user if they want to share their VoiceThread with just one person or a group of up to 10 of their friends. Your VoiceThread does not have to be public by any means. This tool is very efficient because of how seamlessly integrated video, audio, and text are with this application. It is even more effective because if used as a discussion tool it allows everyones opinions to be heard and regulated by the teacher. This experience is one of kind in that audio, video, and text enhance the learning experience better than any standard discussion board.
Disadvantages (limitations) of the tool
VoiceThread can store thousands of comments on a single file as there is no commenting limit. However, free accounts can only hold 50 pages per voice thread while you would need to pay $5 for the Pro account and the ability to hold up to 500 pages per voice thread. A microphone is also a must for this program as the ability to hear user’s comments provides a great interactive experience. Therefore, if a user does not have a microphone he/she is at a disadvantage. In addition, the ability to post a comment with video requires a webcam. If a user does not own a webcam they are not getting the full VoiceThread experience the designers intend for users to have. Another disadvantage of this application is that when they are updating their website the servers for the application are down and cause a temporary period of no VoiceThread access.
Application of the tool in your subject area
VoiceThread can be applied to my subject area of elementary education in many ways. First, VoiceThread allows people to draw using doodling tools and elementary school students can each draw their own picture and have their classmates comment on their picture in a variety of ways. Students can type comments on their classmate’s pictures, record comments on their classmate’s pictures, and even record a video of themselves commenting on their classmates videos. VoiceThread can also be used by the teacher posting a VoiceThread of an article or picture that he/she wants their students to reflect on and have a discussion about. VoiceThread is in a sense a fancy discussion board that would allow students to discuss the topic in any way they choose.
Find a tutorial video on YouTube
Useful Resources
http://voicethread.com/ -- This is the actual website where you can sign up and create a Voice Thread account and begin to use it.
http://voicethread.ning.com/ -- This is a very useful site that has forums and groups of people who can share ideas and issues they have with Voice Thread. This site allows people to communicate and help each other out.
http://voicethread.unc.edu/ -- This is a great educational website by the University of North Carolina where it describes and teaches how to use Voice Thread.
Communication Tool:
Group Members:Anthony Zeese and Mike Ordan
Screenshot or logo
Brief introduction of the tool
VoiceThread is an online application that can store images, documents, and videos, as well as allow people to comment on these files. There are various ways one can comment on a file such as with a microphone or telephone, standard text, audio file, or even a video comment if the user has a webcam. VoiceThread lets a group have a conversation through multiple forms of media in one place without even being physically near each other. This application takes advantage of the internet and media to form a seamless chat experience.Advantages of the tool
A great advantage of this application is that it accepts all image file types and many video file types. One will most likely not have to convert their file to another file because VoiceThread is compatible with nearly any audio, video, or image file. Another advantage of VoiceThread is how secure it is. It is entirely up to the user if they want to share their VoiceThread with just one person or a group of up to 10 of their friends. Your VoiceThread does not have to be public by any means. This tool is very efficient because of how seamlessly integrated video, audio, and text are with this application. It is even more effective because if used as a discussion tool it allows everyones opinions to be heard and regulated by the teacher. This experience is one of kind in that audio, video, and text enhance the learning experience better than any standard discussion board.
VoiceThread can store thousands of comments on a single file as there is no commenting limit. However, free accounts can only hold 50 pages per voice thread while you would need to pay $5 for the Pro account and the ability to hold up to 500 pages per voice thread. A microphone is also a must for this program as the ability to hear user’s comments provides a great interactive experience. Therefore, if a user does not have a microphone he/she is at a disadvantage. In addition, the ability to post a comment with video requires a webcam. If a user does not own a webcam they are not getting the full VoiceThread experience the designers intend for users to have. Another disadvantage of this application is that when they are updating their website the servers for the application are down and cause a temporary period of no VoiceThread access.Disadvantages (limitations) of the tool
Application of the tool in your subject area
VoiceThread can be applied to my subject area of elementary education in many ways. First, VoiceThread allows people to draw using doodling tools and elementary school students can each draw their own picture and have their classmates comment on their picture in a variety of ways. Students can type comments on their classmate’s pictures, record comments on their classmate’s pictures, and even record a video of themselves commenting on their classmates videos. VoiceThread can also be used by the teacher posting a VoiceThread of an article or picture that he/she wants their students to reflect on and have a discussion about. VoiceThread is in a sense a fancy discussion board that would allow students to discuss the topic in any way they choose.
Find a tutorial video on YouTube
Useful Resources
http://voicethread.com/ -- This is the actual website where you can sign up and create a Voice Thread account and begin to use it.http://www.123techs4me.com/voicethreads.cfm -- This website has a few examples of Voice Threads that have been created and used in the classroom.
http://voicethread.ning.com/ -- This is a very useful site that has forums and groups of people who can share ideas and issues they have with Voice Thread. This site allows people to communicate and help each other out.
http://voicethread.unc.edu/ -- This is a great educational website by the University of North Carolina where it describes and teaches how to use Voice Thread.