VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images,
documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments
in 5 ways – using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a
webcam). A person can share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and
colleagues, and alternatively, they are able to record comments too on the
slides.

VoiceThread has many advantages and disadvantages and we are going to see some of them.

The first advantage, VoiceThread application is web based and there is no software to download or install.  This feature is great because accessibility is a necessity to online class participants.  VoiceThread supports Microsoft Office Suite, PDF, images, and videos software which is also an advantage.  A student can use the application to create an audio file, transfer the file into a PowerPoint presentation and share it with the online class. As a result, facilitators and students can view the presentation and insert audio comments.  The third advantage is the “five innovative ways” to voice record.  The user can record by computer microphone, telephone, uploading audio files from MP3 or WAV format, web camera and typing text.  The final advantage is the learn-to-use tools.  VoiceThread have easy-to-read instructional manuals, extensive user guides and tutorial programs to assist the user.  These tools are helpful in learning to use and using the application.  All these advantages are features that make VoiceThread a useful application to the education community.Despite the stated pros, VoiceThread have some disadvantages which are the downside to this application.  A huge disadvantage is the inability to allow multiple users to have simultaneous access to the same account.  As a result, every participant of an online class course must use a single class account login.  For example, CMU Blackboard allows multiple users with different account login to access “EDU508 KY Certificate in Online Instruction” course or classroom at the same time.  VoiceThread does not offer or have simultaneous access capability which allow participants the ability to editing and deleting information without approval.

VoiceThread is a great application for online education.  It can provide more learning and teaching opportunities.  In an online setting, facilitators can use the application to enhance their presentation with media by adding images, voice recording and allowing the student to insert audio comments in the presentation.  VoiceThread can improve communication within the online class.

Click HERE to see an example of VoiceThread.

Click HERE to register on VoiceThread.

Some information and images were taken from: https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/TutiHidayati/web-20-voicethread-ppt-7516659