Thing 10: Final Thoughts using VoiceThread

By the end of the module, you should have completed the following:

1. Learned about VoiceThread and its use in classrooms
2. Posted your final thoughts on the course in the VoiceThread

WHAT IS VOICETHREAD?

VoiceThread is an online platform for hosting group discussions.  It allows you to view presentations, files, or images by the teacher or creator of the VoiceThread.  This can then be shared and users then can comment on the discussion topic or presentation.   Comments can take many forms.  You can add in a written comment, an audio recording or a video comment.

There is a free version of VoiceThread, that allows you to view and comment on any VoiceThread.  You can create five VoiceThreads with the free account.  You are limited on the amount of video commenting you do with a free account.

This is great overview video of how to use VoiceThread: http://ed.voicethread.com/media/misc/IntroductionToVoiceThread.mov  This will help you know how to Comment on the VoiceThread for this class, but also how to create them now with your own classes.



USING VOICETHREAD:

In order to comment in VoiceThread, you will need to set up a free account.  You can do that here.

Here is the VoiceThread that we set up for this class as a place for you to post your final thoughts:



In order to make your Comments and final reflections on the course, access the VoiceThread through this link:  http://voicethread.com/share/4569323/

Thing 9: Polling Systems

By the end of this module, you should have completed the following:

1. Reviewed three polling sites
2. Made a Comment on which site you liked the best and a way you could use with a class
3. EXTRA CREDIT:  Make a poll using one of the sites.  Share your poll with us!

WHAT ARE POLLING SYSTEMS?

As teachers, we are always looking for feedback from our students.  We want to know they have comprehended the material, know the directions, or want to know their opinions on certain issues.   Sometimes you might do that through a show of hands, or some other symbol like holding up a green card or ringing a bell.

Polling systems are more advanced versions of these teaching techniques.  They allow you to set up polls or quick quizzes online that students respond to via a computer or their smartphone.  They give you real-time feedback as you see students anonymous responses right away.

Instead of the expensive clicker systems, these polling sites are free and leverage the technology that students already have in their pocket.

POLLING SITES

There are many out there, but these three are the ones most geared to use in a K-12 classroom.

• Poll Everywhere
• Socrative
• Soapbox

You should now explore these three at this site on Polling Systems from the MMRHS library.

After exploring these polling sites, you should make a comment below on which one you liked best and share ways that you could use this with a class.  

EXTRA CREDIT:  Make a poll for one of your classes using one of the polling sites.  Share the link with us!