Voicethread (www.voicethread.com) is an example of an emerging technology; it is an available tool that is non “essential” to complete certain presentation tasks. While in some communities of practice Voicethread could be said to have emerged (Thornburg, 2009), in many academic circles it may still be a newcomer.
Challenges with this technology involve minimal or a lack of understanding about the value of VT and how this tool can be used in the classroom. With a free account available pricing is not a deterrent, although expanded use of VoiceThread has associated costs (see example below).
from http://voicethread.com/products/pro/
In a review of Web 2.0 tools, McCormack (2010) notes that “technology tools should support the increasing diversity in students’ abilities, thoughts, perceptions, cultures and lived realities. By integrating technology-enhanced reflective practice into the learning process contributes to students’ continued growth.” VoiceThread can be and has been used to serve a variety of cognitive needs and types of learners. Its multimedia capacity to combine text, audio and video that can be shared or embedded supports language learners, second language learners (Crane, n.d.) and students with disabilities such as dyslexia and autism (VoiceThread, n.d.).
VoiceThread is a work in progress that continues to be embraced and explored by individuals and organizations across industries and disciplines. Ongoing heuristic pilots and implementation will contribute to future improvement and perhaps inspire other software entrepreneurs to develop a free open source option.
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
VoiceThread (n.d.) Accessibility. Retrieved from http://voicethread.com/about/features/accessibility/
Challenges with this technology involve minimal or a lack of understanding about the value of VT and how this tool can be used in the classroom. With a free account available pricing is not a deterrent, although expanded use of VoiceThread has associated costs (see example below).
from http://voicethread.com/products/pro/
| Features |
VoiceThread Pro
|
Free
|
Voice (microphone) and text commenting, Images, docs and videos, Doodling, Embedding, Moderation, Identities, Sharing
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
VoiceThreads
|
Unlimited
|
3
|
Video commenting (webcam)
|
Unlimited
|
30 MIN
|
Storage
|
10 GB
|
75 MB
|
File size limit
|
100 MB
|
25 MB
|
Phone commenting *
|
1 HOUR
|
3 MIN
|
VoiceThread Exports **
|
30
|
0
|
Slides per VoiceThread
|
500
|
50
|
VoiceThread invites per day
|
500
|
50
|
Create and manage Groups
|
Yes
|
No
|
Upload audio comments (MP3/WAV)
|
Yes
|
No
|
Archive and distribute original media
|
Yes
|
No
|
Hide final credits/share slide
|
Yes
|
No
|
Cost
|
$59.95 / year
|
In a review of Web 2.0 tools, McCormack (2010) notes that “technology tools should support the increasing diversity in students’ abilities, thoughts, perceptions, cultures and lived realities. By integrating technology-enhanced reflective practice into the learning process contributes to students’ continued growth.” VoiceThread can be and has been used to serve a variety of cognitive needs and types of learners. Its multimedia capacity to combine text, audio and video that can be shared or embedded supports language learners, second language learners (Crane, n.d.) and students with disabilities such as dyslexia and autism (VoiceThread, n.d.).
VoiceThread is a work in progress that continues to be embraced and explored by individuals and organizations across industries and disciplines. Ongoing heuristic pilots and implementation will contribute to future improvement and perhaps inspire other software entrepreneurs to develop a free open source option.
Some links that provide more insight about VoiceThread:
References
Crane, B. (n.d). Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K–12 Classroom. [exerpt]. Retrieved from http://www.neal-schuman.com/uploads/pdf/0198-using-web-2-0-tools-in-the-k-12-classroom.pdf
McCormack, V. (2010). Utilizing VoiceThread to Increase Teacher Candidates' Reflection and Global Implications for Usage. Retrieved from http://www.igi-global.com/viewtitlesample.aspx?id=43427
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
VoiceThread (n.d.) Accessibility. Retrieved from http://voicethread.com/about/features/accessibility/
