Voice Thread

Voice Thread is a tool that can be used to demonstrate content knowledge, or share assignment tasks, collect feedback from viewers.  It’s adaptable and can integrate with many learning management systems, including blackboard. 

One feature I particularly like, is the ability to provide feed back in multiple ways.  Those with access, can respond not only in text, but with audio files, webcams, video and more.  This would meet multiple learning styles and provide a different way to respond and absorb feedback.  It also has some great accessibility features, including closed captioning for audio/visual files.  Here’s one example of how the tool was used in an ESL kindergarden classroom - https://voicethread.com/about/library/all_about_polar_bears/

Students and teachers set their own privacy features, to be public or shared with specific individuals.  Voice Thread is accessed by invitation only, so students or teachers choose who to share their communication with.

It does have limited availability for mobile use, as accessible only with devices supporting iOS systems.   Overall, worth exploring further and testing out!

Evaluation of Communication Tool: __Voice Thread___________________

Criterion	Score (1-4)	Notes
Engagement	4
Relevance	4
Developmentally Appropriate	4
Safeguards/Monitoring	3
Ability for User Feedback	2	Ability to comment in multiple ways.
Cost/Accessibility	4	Browser and iOS mobile