Links to research for using web 2.0 tools in teaching.

Web 2.0 tools are growing in popularity. They are (mostly) free internet applications that can be used in online and onground classrooms. Instructors can develop their own technology infused activities or can infuse common teaching strategies and activities with new technology.

Web 2.0 tools are varied and can include anything from Pinterest to Voicethread. Concept mapping tools, debate tools, word clouds, blogs, and wikis are some common web 2.0 tools currently used by instructors around the world.

The world of web 2.0 tools can be overwhelming at first. But with some exploration and creativity you can find your favorite and most useful tools to incorporate into your classroom (or training). Web 2.0 tools are used in k-12, higher ed, and business, they are for adults and kids, or where ever and whenever learning occurs.

If you are new to web 2.0 tools a great place to start is 101 web 2.0 teaching tools. This site includes collaboration tools, classroom tools, gradebook tools and quiz creators.

Simon Ward has created an excellent presentation that reviews some of his top picks for teachers. His final slide includes all the urls for the tools he mentions.

Finally, (and my favorite) for a more comprehensive review of Web 2.0 tools for teachers, try Eric Schreeful's slideshare presentation on 101 web 2.0 teaching tools. He mentions some of my favorites including Google docs, prezi, voicethread, google earth, screencast, dipity (timelines),  bubblus, and slideshare plus many more! I've even discovered a few I want to explore and try out. Bookmark this site!

Strategies for integrating voicethread in online and onground classes.

The  options are endless. Below are just a few examples and ideas  from the voicethread team. Then, below our list,  click  the links to see what educators are doing with voicethread in their classrooms.

• Discuss literature via voicethread. Voicethread creates a rich video and audio environment where students can discuss and comment on class readings and share insights and analysis.
• Pose math problems. Invite disucussion about the steps to reach the solution
• Students can post their own work (poems, pictures, art) for peer review and discussion.
• A place for teams to build a project and collaborate.
• Post pictures of works of art  for discussion and analysis.
• Build a portfolio of student work.
• Replace Powerpoint presentations with a voicethread assignment. Students can respond and leave comments for the "presenter."
• For Comp classes (espcially online composition classes) move peer review out of the discussion board and on to Voicethread where students can repond with feedback and ideas for draft revisions. A great whole class writing collaboration approach to drafting.
• Create brainstorming sessions for writing assignments.
• Post grammar and punctuation exercises and examples and invite discussion and review.
• post open ended Socratic style questions for students to reflect on.

For more ideas click here for a Google doc presentation on ....26 ways to use Voicethread in the classroom

This educator's blog includes many  ideas for using voicethread. Also, check out the comments section for more ideas posted by teachers. It even  includes a great idea for using Voicethread in conjunction with the flipped classroom approach.

Links to Online Resources for Voicethread

• Seven things you should Know about Voicethread, published by Educause. A look at the what, why,  how, and the pros/cons of Voicethread.

• A how to video for new users. This video covers the basics of voicethread and how to begin

 

 

• A good starting place for a voicethread novice,  is this teacher focused wiki resource. This site includes examples, advice for how to assess a voicethread assignment, and other helpful  tips for teachers exploring this versatile Web 2.0 tool. 

 

• Before creating your ownVoicethead assignment, explore A teacher created wiki that includes a collection of voicethread examples for all age and grade levels including college, Special Ed, and  ESL. There is even a section for Admin examples! The site includes samples made by students and teachers and administrators with hundreds of ideas for voicethread classroom projects and topics.

 

www.voicethread.com

Voicethread is a free web 2.0 tool that can be integrated into online or onground classroom teaching.
Voicethread is asynchonous which means users can log on and add comments at any time. Users can post comments, videos, and images. Then, they can then invite feedback from others. Voicethread can generate discussions, comments and feedback. It is highly interactive and is often referred to as a "digital audio blog." Topics are limitless! It has the potential to increase student participation in online class disucssion threads.

This blog will include

• Links to online resources for Voicethread,

• Strategies for integrating voicethread in online and onground classes, and

• Links to research on using  web 2.0 tools in teaching.