collaboration IDEAS
As the previous page suggested, VoiceThread is a tool that can be integrated across the curriculum from K-12 to Higher Ed. It can be used to generate engagement on any subject. More specifically, VoiceThread is a tool that supports collaboration amongst students.
Be inspired!
Below we've curated a variety of examples showing how teachers have integrated VoiceThread to expand student collaboration for diverse subject areas and purposes.
create unique peer & small group conversations
In 'Dobby the Lost Turtle' Grade 4/5 children are grouped together to write a paragraph.
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Classroom Progressive Stories allow one students at a time to progressively build upon each other's stories. Each child tells or writes a first sentence (or paragraph) and then transfers their story/picture to the next child who writes the next sentence or paragraph. You can have between 5-6 writers for each story or expand the length and have that many for each part of the story arc (beginning, middle, end). Visit the activity page to read more about the example on the left by clicking on the picture!
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deepen class to class discussions
In this example, children in a Grade 6 and a Grade 8 class explore the concept of love and hate.
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The facilitated dialogue in the sample on the left is an example of the collaborative strategy of having no 'right' answer which often allows complex topics to be considered in a safer environment, being free from judgement or assessment. The lack of a face-to-face component to the discussion, as well as the choice to engage via text, images, or voice recording, also allows even reserved or shy students to have a more meaningful dialogue around the topic than they may feel comfortable having in a traditionally structured classroom discussion.
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ideal for cross-cultural & international collaboration
In this example, Grade 4 students from the United States and Pakistan concurrently learn about the growth of plants in their countries.
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Since VoiceThread is ideal for asynchronous communication, it transverses time zones easily, allowing teachers to connect their students from anywhere in the world. In this example, students used VoiceThread to easily share their progress on project-based Science assignments. The learning extended beyond the curriculum as they were also given a valuable opportunity to connect and learn about children and cultures in two very different countries.
(Here's more about this VoiceThread lesson: 4th graders study plants in collaboration with Pakistani students). |
collaborate with guest experts about any topic
In this example, expert game designers provide authentic feedback on the children's game design.
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This example highlights the collaborative work of a complex video game design project created by Grade 4 students. After completing their video games, children sought the expert advice of professional game designers.
Students uploaded a photo of their design into VoiceThread and used its interactive drawing (video doodling) tool to aid their explanation. (Find the lesson outline for this VoiceThread here: Game Design by George Haines' 4th Grade Class). |
model collaborative learning skills
In this example, Frade 8 students credit their division of labour for the creation of a piece of historical fiction.
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One important component of collaborative learning is that individual learners bring their own expertise and skills to bear in solving a complex challenge. In this short example, five students identify themselves as authors (and illustrator) of a historical fiction book co-written for a contest.
The lesson this example is from received an honourable mention from Scholastic Books' Kids are Authors Contest. (The lesson outline can be found here: 8th grade Historical Fiction from Shirley Scamardella). |
VoiceThread Goes to...
french class |
math class |
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For some quick snapshots of even more ways teachers are integrating VoiceThread across their middle school curriculums, explore the interactive image on our Subject Snapshots page!
Tell us how these activities are sparking ideas
for your own classroom! |
Forum Questions:
View any of the VoiceThread examples above and then answer at least one of the questions below.
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2. The protection of our learners' privacy is of utmost importance for educators. In the example VoiceThreads some teachers have learners add messages via the students account; other examples have students adding comments directly from the teacher's account. What considerations do you make to ensure the privacy of the children in your care? Are privacy and security issues a barrier to using the tool?
3. VoiceThread affords the opportunity for asynchronous presentation, commenting and messaging. Are there skills that you would model or teach before introducing this application with your students.
3. VoiceThread affords the opportunity for asynchronous presentation, commenting and messaging. Are there skills that you would model or teach before introducing this application with your students.
That's all folks! You have successfully navigated the VoiceThread Unit!
If you're ready to get started in your own class, check out the lesson plan provided.
If you're ready to get started in your own class, check out the lesson plan provided.
If you haven't already, be sure to visit our Subject Snapshot page to explore even
more great classroom integration ideas. Then, keep building your own community of practice by sharing your personal favourite collaborative edTech tools & Success Stories! |