Use Voice Thread in teaching

Voice Thread is an interactive collaboration and sharing tool which allows users to create slides that sharing images,documents and videos. While other users would be able to add voice,text,and video comments into slides.

Voice Thread could be using in online teaching in practical ways. One of the greatest benefits of VoiceThread is the flexibility of the tool. Teachers can post their video or audio curricula in Voice Thread and require students to watch and comment the assigned one. It really benefits in language learning, because students have to express their viewpoints and communicate with others without any body language, they need to assure what should be talked about before pressing "record" button. And if they weren't satisfied with their comments, they have the chance to record over again till they are pleased with them.  

In addition, educators can use Voice Thread in many educational settings with students in general education, with students considered at risk, and with students with disabilities (Using Voice Thread to Promote Learning Engagement and Success for All Students).

I think there are six steps for teachers to use Voice Thread in teaching .

Step 1: Pre-Plan：think about the teaching topic and content.
Step 2: Prepare content: look for related materials for the class: pictures,              articles, and videos.
Step 3:  Prepare narration: think about how to give lessons on Voice Thread, how to narrate your course.
STEP 4: Make contents on Voice Thread: upload your pictures and videos, and record your lectures.
STEP 5: Ask students for participating in Voice Thread and making their comments.
STEP 6: Listen and evaluate their comments.

I have commented on Keri Sedita and Yu Xie's Voice Thread as if I'm the student in their classes. I like Keri's VT because it could be a introduction class at the beginning of a semester, students could be familiar with each other and talk about their favorite modes of teaching and learning. Students are required to introduce themselves and answer what made them choose to learn French and what sorts of  activities they would prefer in class. Teacher could be able to adjust teaching plan and pedagogy in time in accordance with the information acquired from students' comments.

 Yu talks about an assigned topic on her Voice Thread -- "Different Cultural Connotations of Animals", and uses the different meanings of dragon in Western countries and in China as an example to explain the topic. I have to say this is a special and attractive topic to let students be interested in cultural difference and connection. Students are required to talk about an animal that has different cultural connotations in their respective comments, I think they should collect materials and organize their thoughts before their talking, the whole process could deepen their understanding of cultural diversity.