VoiceThread is an online application that allows you to build a multi-modal conversations using images, voices and text. This practitioner paper describes how the application is used in a first-year transition module. Students had to present (via images and voice comments) a hobby, an interest or an area they were interested in and one where they actively tried to develop themselves. Students then commented on a VoiceThread presentation shared with them by a classmate, and listened to their peer’s comments on their own presentation.
The aims of the activity were to enable students to present an aspect of their personal development for professional purposes, to practise their presentation skills, and to give and receive feedback. Findings from focus groups with student participants indicate that the activity also helped students bond with each other as a class and develop confidence in themselves.
Students also reported many challenges with the activity. They were uncomfortable with regard to sharing information about themselves, with recording their voices and also with voicing criticism of on a peer’s work. The paper/ Gasta will explore these concerns. It will also outline the modifications proposed for the activity in future.
This practitioner paper proposes to take an innovative approach in two ways. Firstly, the paper will be prepared and delivered partially from the VoiceThread platform itself. Secondly, the Voicethread will include the voices of students who have agreed to collaborate in this paper. The presentation will describe the activity and will review both its benefits and challenges for teaching and learning.
This research was conducted as part the multi-institutional Y1Feedback ([http://www.y1feedback.ie)]www.y1feedback.ie) project, which was funded by the Irish National Forum for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
Topics: Digital Identities & Literacies , Topics: Students as Partners
