Research Category: Professional Development

This article defines active learning before explaining the theory and practice of VoiceThread technology. It is a provocative, persuasive presentation of VoiceThread technology in action including available resources and how to produce it. Keywords: active learning, interactive learning, experiential learning, constructivist learning, engaged learning, motivated learning, hands-on learning, authentic learning, problem-based learning, case-based learning, group learning, team-based learning, collaborative learning, cooperative learning, simulation, game-based learning, discussion learning, production-based learning.

Although there is a vast research base on the literacy practices of adolescents and the issues surrounding the integration of technology despite current widespread access to tools and the Internet (Cuban, 2003), very little has been completed on the attempts of teacher educators to integrate technology within a specific content area to prepare future classroom teachers (Boling, 2010; Bruce & Hogan, 1998; Goodson & Mangan, 1995; Koehler, Mishra, Yahya, & Yadav, 2004; Pang & Kamil, 2004). Based on the technological pedagogical content knowledge framework, the current study explores how technology can be used to improve teaching within the content area of English/language arts by examining the artifacts and reflections of 21 pre- and in-service secondary English teachers at a large university in the Southwestern United States. It explores how the digital medium VoiceThread could support their efforts to teach poetry. Results indicate that these future teachers found VoiceThread to be an effective tool to prepare, implement, and teach poetry to secondary students. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)

Development of receptive and expressive language skills is an important foundational skill in early childhood education. Recently, early childhood education professionals have begun using Web-based technology to assist in developing these skills. One Web-based technology that holds potential to support children’s learning is VoiceThread which has unique features that support Universal Design for Learning. This paper provides practical recommendations for use of VoiceThread in meaningful learning activities that can easily be implemented. A step-by-step guide is presented to create and use VoiceThread.

Consider these three students: Jeremy, who is easily distracted and who has difficulty staying on task in social studies; Brad, who has specific learning disabilities that place him at risk of dropping out due to lack of motivation and fear of failure; and Angelina, who has received interventions through several grade levels to address her struggles with assignments and assessments. This article shows how a web-based learning tool can boost the learning skills and motivation of these students and many others as they work with multimedia to explore subject areas, express their ideas, and share information – and all at their own pace and learning level.

The purpose of this workshop is to help K-12 teachers to understand some useful techniques in using the VoiceThread web 2.0 in and out of the classroom. It is also designed to give K-12 teachers good skills that will allow them to use the VoiceThread confidently with their students. In addition, teachers will be able to practice, negotiate with others, and end up with good activities that enable them to have full understanding of this application and how it can be used as a powerful and motivating tool to help students in the learning process. Although the main focus of this workshop is on teaching English as a second language (ESL), all teachers can benefit from attending this workshop and then apply it to their specific classes.

Versatile, easy-to-navigate, and interactive, VoiceThread equips teachers to deploy numerous best instructional practices that engage 21st century students in rigorous literacy activities. Upgrade your current teaching strategies with VoiceThread for Digital Education and create an environment where every student learns every day