VoiceThread

Area meeting 25/08/09 This inquiry is as much about the process as the content. If students are given free rein to research we need to teach them explicitly how to find information (books/resources), how to know what is a good resource and know how to cite information. This is really important as others are going to use the information that you've collected.

Wiki allows for immediate feedback to students allowing teachers to support student in their inquiry / research / skills. As Kath M. was saying... we are in doing stuff and keeping kids on track and supporting. Not always easy but important.

Reflection: Do students recognise when their group isn't working effectively? What makes a good collaborative group? Is everyone pulling their weight? Too late to find out at the end that students haven't contributed or have wasted their time...

This is about being an effective and responsible digital citizen.

Resources: Setting up a VoiceThread using free Educator account

Becoming familiar with what a VoiceThread is: Voicethread 4 Education wiki [|Interesting ways to use VoiceThread]

Area Meeting 11/07/09 re. other stuff

Students need to know what the final product is going to be in the form of (VoiceThread) as this will direct some of the focus with their research.
Show students the sample VoiceThreads below. They are from real events etc.. but still give the idea of what you're after. You'll also be following the type of style of 'My Place'.

Students need to know what character or person they will be in the photo.
They need to be able to share with others what their life is like in their family at that place and time. Their character needs to be given personality and express connections between members of the family. “What’s the story behind the photo being taken?” Was it a special occasion? Were there problems about getting the photo taken? Who took it? What were you doing before/after the photo was taken?” This could be in the form of a story (A day in the life of, the picnic… ) Responses or the story needs to refer to that era. //Assessment guidelines may specify that each group needs to refer to 'fashion, transport, economy...' at least once in the story to show that they have an understanding of the effects they have on their character.//


 * As group:** come up with story so that it all links when necessary. Need to create the scene together. What is our VoiceThread about?

Brainstorm all of the things you need to know and write them down. Could be done in books or wiki! Research your questions and record on 'times in history' pages. A student researching a child character may be looking for information that is different to student researching the adult male or female.
 * As individual**: What do I need to know about my character?

How do you conduct a valuable search? Are there links provided for me to help answer these questions? Are there books in the library (school or local) that will help with research? [|Google search tip posters] are available at this site. Worth having in room
 * Research**

Students need to evaluate their progress as they go and share with the whole group. This will give other students ideas about what to do on their own VoiceThread. Also an opportunity for group members and teachers to work on individuals pulling their weight or needing extra direction. Reflection journal could be a part of assessment. Journal could be an individual wiki as some of the students have them or in book. Online reflections mean that they can be done at home. (homework for the week)
 * Ongoing evaluation**

Needs to be completed before VoiceThread is used. This could take the form of a storyboard as it will involve photos and text. Arrange photos in order, write each part to reflect research and story and then record.
 * Write a script for your VoiceThread**.

__//Students need to be clear from the beginning the expectations / assessment requirements of their work. How do you want to do this? rubric?//__

These are samples of VoiceThreads. They just give an idea of how they function. media type="custom" key="4204773"

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