Weekly Report and Reflection #9

Hello fellow bloggers,

Umass Amherst. (CC) 2016.

Are you looking for an online tool that allows you to discuss group topics or boasts communication with people all over the world on a topic of choice? Then, I highly recommend you try out VoiceThread, this website allows you to create slideshows and foster communication with fellow students and teachers in order to promote discussion in a unique way.  The blog "Teachers Challenges" offers a description of VoiceThread and several ways to communicate via slideshow, rather it's through text, audio, pictures or video.

I enjoyed experiencing VoiceThread for the first time, however I do not think that it would be a tool that I would currently use quite often. In the future, when I have my own classroom it would be a beneficial way to integrate safe communication with technology into the classroom. The main aspect that I like about this tool is that often times things can be taken out of context when in text format, however spoken word breaks these barriers and allows proper communication. However, I do believe that there are better online tools to foster communication compared to VoiceThread, for example Google Docs and Twitter.

I will not be adding this to my PLE because I do not think that this is a tool that would currently benefit me nor be useful in my university career. Although, as stated previously I may add it to my PLE in the future. When I do add this tool into my PLE, I would place it under Educational tools because it fosters learning and provides insight into other people's perspectives and opinions. Furthermore, I recommend that you visit one of our fellow ADED 1P32 classmate's blogs, Brooke, a she provides really interesting insight into VoiceThread, however we share the same opinion on not utilizing this tool. Within her Weekly Report and Reflection #9 she discusses using Google Docs as a form of communication instead, and I agree with this statement as it is much easier and accessible.

This week in my Feedly reader I came across a link to a TedTalk about miscommunication called "How Miscommunication Happens." I found this to be interesting because it relates to VoiceThread in the sense that it attempts to break past misunderstandings and promotes clear discussion surrounding opinions. The animation is really well done in the video and although it is short, it offers really beneficial information that can help students when working as a team or discussing a topic with co-workers.

I hope that everyone has a lovely week and be sure to follow me on Twitter for future updates on my postings!