Digital Storytelling: VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a tool that allows users to upload a wider range of media, including images (can import from Flickr), documents (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PDF), and video. Once online, users can comment on posted media by typing a written reflection, or recording an audio or video reflection. Multiple users can leave comments on the same media item, supporting collaborative conversations around a topic. Social Studies teachers can use VoiceThread to post historical documents and lead-in questions that ask students to contribute a reflection (e.g., What consequences may result from the actions described in this document? How are things different today?). Students and teachers can also post PowerPoint presentations with both annotations and embedded questions that invite peers to comment on or respond to information reported in the slides (e.g., Some say Thomas Jefferson, shown on this slide, was America's greatest president; do you agree or disagree?). VoiceThread is also a good platform for students to collect and share oral histories and images from family members or persons in their communities. VoiceThread includes a secure educator network where students can safely publish work with minimal annual subscription costs.