Voicethread


 * General Description **

VoiceThread is a multimedia communication tool that allows you to insert images, documents, videos, and your voice to share and discuss information. VoiceThread allows you to share over 50 types of media and leave comments in 5 ways-using your voice with a microphone or telephone, text, audio file, or video via a webcam. Multimedia presentations can be created quickly and VoiceThread is simple to use. This summer a group of colleagues and I created our own PLC book club and used VoiceThread as our tool for commenting on each chapter. Sections were created for each chapter, a prompt was given, and we each posted our own comments and commented on at least two other members’ posts. It was simple to set up and to use. The feature I liked the most was that I could post my comments using different formats.

How to Use It
1. __** First Create Your Visuals **__ __**.**__ Log into Voicethread and click "Create". Then click "Upload". Here you will have several options for uploading your content. You can upload from a saved file on your computer-I tend to keep a copy of files in a folder on my desktop for quick access. Your other choices are a website (URL), media such as a video, music, etc.. and a live video from a webcam.

Here is a breakdown of your Options and how to use them.

**Upload from My Computer** - This is the option I use when I have saved content in a folder on my desktop. Keep files "where they live", which means keep everything for a part of the project in an easily accessed folder. For me, this is my desktop. Files such as powerpoints, images, and word files work well. For more information on what types of files you can upload to VoiceThread, visit VoiceThread's support web site.

**Media Sources** - Images from any of your accounts will work here. A good source for images is the Google Cultural Arts Institute and the National Archives. Both have thousands of images that are free to use.

**URL** - If you know the internet address of your image you can post it here. The last time I checked, You Tube videos didn't work. But things change, so you can try for yourself.

**Webcam** - Use this option if you want to upload a webcam video without images or slides. Once you have all of your visuals uploaded, your can view them and rearrange their order. Give your visuals a title and click "Save".

2. **__ Create your Voice over or Narration __**. To create Comments on your or anyone else's comments or narration, do the following:


 * Click the comment button at the bottom of the Voicethread screen.


 * Your options for recording your comment will appear. You can type, use audio, telephone, upload video or webcam your comments. The telephone option is great for when students use Voicethread as a part of their homework but don't have a computer.


 * Click Save when you are done.

3. __** Share your Presentation **__. You can create a link to share your Voicethread with an individual or a group. Sharing with an individual can be used when students create a Voicethread as part of an assignment. Sharing to a group can be used when teachers share with their students or when students share to another group or their whole class.


 * Questions and Answers **

A: Click on this link: [|Wonder by R.J. Palacio]
 * Q: What does a completed Voicethread look like? **

A: Click on this link: [|Voicethread in Action]
 * Q: How can I see a step by step tutorial or learn more? **

A: For county teachers, you can find Voicethread in your Apps located in your bookmarks at the top or side of your screen.
 * Q: Where do I find Voicethread? **

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A: To learn more you can contact your own ITC or contact me, robesl@pwcs.edu
 * Q: How do I learn more? **


 * Integration Ideas **

Create a set of directions for any purpose

Create a virtual tour using primary and secondary sources

Out loud book reports-eliminates having to speak in front of the room, the student can record in advance and others can listen at their leisure and not in front of the student

Vocabulary development for ESOL

Use as a mini-course and a unit of study

Feedback on writing, poetry, and other assignments

Explanations for math problems