Workshop Overview:

In this workshop you will learn how to create your own VoiceThread. Through various readings and examples, you will understand the many ways VoiceThreads can be incorporated into the classroom. Once you have set up an account you will learn how to upload images, documents, video as a VoiceThread, and add comments as the creator along as a viewer. At the conclusion of this workshop, you will be able to design and think of many new ways to integrate VoiceThreads into the classroom.

Workshop Agenda

Workshop Handout

Objectives:

1. View examples of classroom use for VoiceThreads - You will be shown examples of VoiceThreads in the classroom and decide the best use for your first VoiceThread. After viewing examples and getting acquainted with VoiceThreads, you will make decision on topic for the VoiceThread.
2. Create a VoiceThread account - After discussing VoiceThreads and viewing examples of classroom teacher-generated movies, you will go to VoiceThreads.com and create an educational account.
3. Apply Copyright Laws - After viewing a PowerPoint (attached on Resource page) covering the copyright laws/issues, you will be able to define and discuss the limitations for use of digital material on your  VoiceThread and model ethical acquistion. 
4. Plan a Project - Using a simple storyboard design, you will develop a script and slide layout (including text, audio, images and video) for the VoiceThread.
5. Change personal avatar image - After viewing demonstration of changing the avatar image, you will be able to modify your personal avatar.
6. Upload images - You will be able to identify the various file formats for upload images, documents, and videos for use with your VoiceThread and organize them for use on the project.
7. Create audio and text comments - You will demonstrate his/her knowledge of adding comments to a VoiceThread through audio or text as the Creator and as the Viewer.
8. Share VoiceThread with Others - You will use the sharing option to share your VoiceThread with others in the class.

ISTE Standards:

This workshop will help teachers accomplish the following standards:
 

I. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:

a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

II. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:

a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

III. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers:

a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations

b. collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats

d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

IV. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers:

b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools 

Terminology:

VoiceThread - A collaborative multimedia slide show of images, documents, or videos that enable viewers to comment on and at any point in the video by typing, recording an audio comment, or a video comment.

Avatar - An image a person uses to represent his or herself on the computer.

Doodling - A visual way to emphasize the main point(s) on one's comment on a VoiceThread by drawing onto the Voicethread.