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VoiceThread

What is VoiceThread?

VoiceThread is a web-based platform which makes it possible to upload many kinds of media (I.e.: videos, images, documents, presentations, recordings) into a single presentation thread. It can function as a slide show with the opportunity for learners to engage in asynchronous discussion in response to questions or to the content on each element on the thread.  

 

Once you have created your VoiceThread, it can be embedded into a learning platform such as Moodle or Desire to Learn for students or you can simply email the link to the learner.Learners engage in discussions by responding to questions, make comments, or ask questions using their phone, texting, microphone, webcam, or uploading an audio file.

 

Learner comments or responses appear around the VoiceThread page with a photo or graphic of the person commenting. Comments and questions can be responded to by others in the class as well.

Using VoiceThread for E-Learning

  • Can be used to provide an introduction to the instructor and engage students in introducing themselves to each other.

  • Discussion (asynchronous) is related to content videos, images, websites, or theories.

  • Opportunity to combine multiple media sources in one VoiceThread for easy access and analysis.

  • Can be used in unfolding case studies and to create digital storytelling activities to connect theory to practice.

  • Can be used in virtual video simulation, discussion, and simulation in the nursing program.

  • Used to create and receive feedback on presentations.

  • Can be used to discuss course readings

  • Can be used for collaborating on group projects.

  • Can be used to create formative evaluations through student response to teacher prompts. These can be in the form of quizzes or questions.

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Pro's 

·         Offers users a fun and unique presentation option which is dynamic and engaging.

·         It is simple to learn and to use.

·         It is free! **

·         Design templates provided but also offers the opportunity to develop one’s own design.

·         Allows users to integrate text, personal images, and clip art.

·         Numerous videos to guide educators in the development of their video.

·         Can be downloaded to PowerPoint, PDF, or MP4.**

·         Web-based and is therefore accessible anywhere with an internet connection

  • It is free**

  • Easy to learn how to develop a thread.

  • Opportunity for the teacher to identify confusion related to content and take steps to mitigate it.

  • Can embed images and videos into the VoiceThread presentation which some learning systems will not allow.

  • The format offers the opportunity to meet multiple user preferences in learning.

  • Can be embedded into college or university learning platforms.

  • The instructor can moderate comments and can also make them visible only to the instructor.

Con's

  • Technological issues can be problematic, so a low stakes test run is recommended prior to use in course.   

  • Some learners may not be comfortable with the technology initially- ensure time is taken to teach them how to navigate the site and make comments etc. 

  • **Paid subscription provides more options for use of this technology

  • Students with special accommodations (hearing or visually impaired) may not be able to use VoiceThread.  VoiceThread does have VT Universal, that can be enabled with a screen reader. More information about VoiceThread and universal design is available in the resource list below.

Resources

Academic outreach and innovation. (2019, March 25). Weekly tip: Using VoiceThread. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://li.wsu.edu/2019/03/25/using-voicethread/ .

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Donnelly, M. K., Kverno, K. S. & Ledebur, L. R. (2016). Applications of VoiceThread in graduate nursing education. Journal of nursing education, 55(11), 655-658. doi:10.3928/01484834-20161011-09

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Price, D. M., Strodtman, L., Brough, E., Lonn, S., & Luo, A. (2015). Digital storytelling : An innovative technological approach to nursing education. Nurse Educator, 40(2), 66-70. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000094

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VoiceThread®. (2019). Communicate, collaborate and connect. Retrieved from https://voicethread.com/about/features/#feature-voicethread.

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VoiceThread®. (2018). VoiceThread in Education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PuJJ3purvw&feature=youtu.be.

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VoiceThread®. (2016). VoiceThread and universal design for learning. Retrieved from https://voicethread.com/workshops/voicethread-and-universal-design-for-learning-udl-4/.

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