Hello loyal followers!
So, I've been thinking a lot about implementing Voicethread in my Freshman English classes this year, and I'm very excited about it. I'm hoping to motivate students with something online to use as a collaborative tool. Of course, I'll "ramp them up" with individual voicethreads for their summer reading projects, but as time goes on, they will begin collaborating and commenting on Voicethread projects with other students. This could really be something to foster change in my classroom and possibly in my school! Here's a link to the K-12 Voicethread page, complete with a video that explains what Voicethread in the classroom is all about:
http://voicethread.com/about/k12/
However, I had some issues last year using Turnitin.com. A few parents didn't like the idea of their children's work posted on the internet. I anticipate some parental resistane to Voicethread. I worry that too many people out there fear what they don't understand, and I want to make sure that all students are able to particpate in a collaborative 21st Century environment. I could wait until open school night to prepare a presentation, but I'd like to begin soon. I'll send out a letter to parents about Voicethread of course, but I'd like your feedback. What should I include in the letter in order to alleviate any fears that parents might have about online digital tools?
So, I've been thinking a lot about implementing Voicethread in my Freshman English classes this year, and I'm very excited about it. I'm hoping to motivate students with something online to use as a collaborative tool. Of course, I'll "ramp them up" with individual voicethreads for their summer reading projects, but as time goes on, they will begin collaborating and commenting on Voicethread projects with other students. This could really be something to foster change in my classroom and possibly in my school! Here's a link to the K-12 Voicethread page, complete with a video that explains what Voicethread in the classroom is all about:
http://voicethread.com/about/k12/
However, I had some issues last year using Turnitin.com. A few parents didn't like the idea of their children's work posted on the internet. I anticipate some parental resistane to Voicethread. I worry that too many people out there fear what they don't understand, and I want to make sure that all students are able to particpate in a collaborative 21st Century environment. I could wait until open school night to prepare a presentation, but I'd like to begin soon. I'll send out a letter to parents about Voicethread of course, but I'd like your feedback. What should I include in the letter in order to alleviate any fears that parents might have about online digital tools?
Chris - Your idea of using Voicethread sounds great. Maybe you could include information in your parent letter about the power of teaching students to be responsible online communicators while still in the relatively "safe" environment of the classroom. These freshman will very soon be out on their own and can benefit from the tools you are trying to give them now.
ReplyDeleteChris, I was watching the Chernobyl Voicethread entry, and was overwhelmed by the detail of the project. I know this photojournalist is a professional, but it's astonishing what he has accomplished. Is there a way for your students' work to be collected into a common portfolio that requires permission to view? And how would keeping their work from being publicly posted restrain them from an authentic 21st century experience? -- Susan
ReplyDeleteI agree that people fear change. I think your plan for educating parents is a great. I think parents need to assured that their child's safety and privacy is being addressed. Having first names or a screen name may help to keep some anonymity to students work.
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