“A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to leave comments in several ways - using voice (with a mic or phone), text, audio file, or video via a webcam." (VoiceThread, 2009)
VoiceThread.com gives a wonderful introductory overview as found in their multimedia presentation below:
“Design and produce a device that uses a magnet.”
Grade 2 Science, Topic C: Magnetism
Alberta Education, Programs of Study
Assessment for learning (AFL) is a practice that enhances how we learn. Together, the students and teacher are actively engaged in the planning and assessment of learning. They set criteria to frame the learning, monitor the progress, and think of ways to improve and achieve the goals. For our Grade 2 Science project, we combined the power of AFL with technology. After our study of Magnetism, we came up with criteria for our project using the curriculum outcomes. The children each created a game to show their understanding of what magnets can do. Along with a digital image of the game, each student contributed his/her thoughts using VoiceThread for a class multimedia presentation. This unique technology captures each individual performance; making it possible for the student to self-asses. It also allows us to share our creations with others, and invite collaborative feedback. The capacity of VoiceThread helps students understand that learning is an on-going process. We will use the feedback to help us edit and improve. We are thrilled with this opportunity to practise digital media literacy!
Ms. Kwan
The process of recording 2K students using the online VoiceThread tool was not complicated. A couple weeks before the recording process was going to take place, pictures were taken of each student holding their project as they were manipulating the magnet appropriately. Once all of the digital pictures were taken, they were uploaded into the VoiceThread program. Students were then ready to record their voices in small groups. Each recording session consisted of a laptop, a microphone as well as 2-3 students with prepared scripts. This was an exciting project for students as it was the first time many of them had recorded their voice. It was also just as thrilling for students to stand back and watch the live recording process in motion.
We hope that you enjoy Camilla School’s first VoiceThread!
Ms. Tonhauser
Posts
Kudos to the staff at Camilla school that embrace technology learning and are dedicated to moving our students into new literacies. Watch for more exciting projects on this blog.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations children for creating interesting projects with your magnets. I could tell you have learned many facts about how magnets work in your explanation. I liked listening to how clearly you read your explanation. Well done!
ReplyDeleteJustine Driver
Deputy Principal
Pakuranga Heights School, New Zealand
Wow! Those voicethreads are fantastic! What an amazing project. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see the results of strategic use of technology to shift the way teachers teach and students learn..or is that students teach and teachers learn?
ReplyDeleteWe , too, have found that offering students the possibility to explore subject areas and technologies and the responsibility to work together to shape their learning.
Keep with it! We`ll be adding your blog onto our bloglist and will checkin regularly.
Roger lemelin
Ottawa, Canada
http://lemelintrailertalk.blogspot.com/
What great projects, everyone. You all did very creative things to show how magnets work. Your games were colourful and interesting and I thought you all did a great job describing how you created your projects. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and great presentation! I really like how you show us what a VoiceThread is, explain how to use it and then show case the fantastic work of your very smart and creative students. Thank you for sharing this and keep up the magnificent work.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this exemplary project! I love to hear the students' voices and see the variety of projects. I especially like how the students attribute where they got their ideas. This is good citizenship in action.
ReplyDeleteWell done
I knew about VoiceThread but had no clear ideas for how it could be used in the classroom. You've given me some ideas. I'm especially glad that I can pass on this information to the teachers in my school. One question I have, how much time from beginning to end did this project take? Was it done in one quarter? Did the planning start earlier? How many teachers worked together with the students or was just one teacher involved? I guess that's more than one question! Thanks for sharing your project with the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see the technology used in such a positive manner. Congratulations on the great project!
ReplyDeleteThank you to all who have responded to our first VoiceThread project. Your comments are greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteOne of our visitors asked two questions:
“How many teachers worked together with the students or was just one teacher involved?”
Two educators were involved in this project – the 2K homeroom teacher and a technology teacher.
“How much time from beginning to end did this project take?”
That question is a good one, but difficult to answer. Students received science instruction in their classroom, then went on to develop and build a magnet game, and finally prepare for technology infusion by writing their own VoiceThread script. Once technology became involved (digital picture taking and recording voices) the project was completed in a matter of a couple weeks.
Good Job 2K. You guys had so many cool ideas. keep up the awesome work!
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