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Volume 3 Resources for Universal Design for Learning

(UDL)

VoiceThread
www.voicethread.com

Voicethread is an interactive multimedia slide show tool that
enables users to hold conversations around images,
documents and videos (Brunvand and Byrd, 2011)
These online learning environments provide synchronized
feedback to users and allows them to collaborate at their own
pace making for a richer learning environment.
Its easy access and cost effective nature make it an excellent
choice for almost all subjects across grade levels.
HOW TO VoiceThread
Users have the option to browse VoiceThreads that have been
developed by other users, create their own VoiceThread, and
record their voice. In order to create your own VoiceThread simply
upload an image, URL, or video from your computer and choose
your preference for exhibiting your work (i.e., voice, video, phone
or text). Although, VoiceThread has some limitations it is fairly well
rounded software that, with proper training, can appeal to a wide
range of students.
Other users can then log into their account and view the
VoiceThreads of peers and make comments in their format of
choice. Most importantly, this allows collaborations to take place
at the pace of each individual learner.
One of the easiest ways to learn more about VoiceThread is to
view the introductory VoiceThread
http://voicethread.com/#q.b409.i848804) created by the
developers (Brunvand & Byrd, 2011). Additionally, there are lesson
samples provided on page 4 of this newsletter.

Highlights
Overview
HOW TO VoiceThread
UDL
Teachers Corner
For the Board

What is research
saying?
Rose and Meyer (2006)
discuss the importance of
presenting information in
different formats as a way to
offer students options for
expressing knowledge.

Though VoiceThread will not
address the learning needs
of every student in every
situation, its interface and
feature set are well-suited for
promoting student
engagement and motivation
as well as for helping students
develop as independent
learners (Brunvand & Byrd,
2011, p.30).


(VoiceThread Image)





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UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING
The UDL provides guidelines for creating flexibility that is both systematic and flexible. (Rose and
Meyer, 2002). As you can see in the figure below (Figure 1.1), VoiceThread is well represented
within the UDL context.


[FIGURE 1.1]

A successful learning environment will support and challenge students in the following areas while
minimizing barriers:
-Recognizing essential cues and patterns
-Mastering skillful strategies for action
-Engaging with learning
Because no student shows the same pattern of strength and weakness and preference within
these domains the teaching material and strategies must be highly flexible.
(Rose and Meyer, 2002)

Provide multiple
means of
representation:
VoiceThread alows
users to present
information by
phone, typed text,
video or voice
Provide multiple
means of
engagement:
VoiceThread
allows users to
provide
synchronized
feedback and
alternative
engagement
methods
Provide multiple
means of action
and expression:
VoiceThread
allows users to use
visual aids,
videos, websites
in order to
convey messages

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TEACHERS CORNER
I selected this resource for a variety of reasons. For starters, I liked that it was initially fairly easy to
use. Teachers must feel comfortable using a wide range of instructional strategies in order to meet
the needs of learners in inclusive classrooms (Hutchinson, 2010) so I consider this technology to be
one tool from which I can pull with ease if I feel a particular student could benefit.
Secondly, from what we know about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), it uses innovative media
technology to make a curriculum that can respond to individual differences in learning and
teaching (Hutchinson, 2010). In my efforts to stay current and teach responsively, I have always
had my eye out for technology that seems to do just this; respond to individual differences in
learning. Although I dont feel this resource will be of equal benefit to all students, I do believe
that many learners will find VoiceThread an engaging and interesting way to express their ideas,
research and creativity.
Tomlinson and McTighe (2006) suggest that our job as teachers is to find enough ways to teach
and enough ways to support learning that each student acquires the essential content they
require. VoiceThread is worth the investment as the testimonials on their website and throughout
the Web indicate students enjoy using this technology.
Sample Lesson Ideas:
KINDERGARTEN (Storytelling Unit) Students are involved in the storytelling process at school.
Students draw pictures of their work (obviously the topics can vary depending on the unit). Pictures
can be uploaded to the computer and downloaded to VoiceThread where students have the
opportunity to speak about their work and share it with teachers, their peers and parents.
http://voicethread.com/about/library/Kindergarten_Storybook_from_Leanne_Windsor/
GRADE 6 (Digital Insect Collection) In this lesson students discuss the insects they are studying.
Students upload pictures to their computer and download to VoiceThread. Once this is done,
students are able to create audio/video/print files to go with their pictures. The teacher and fellow
students are able to look at each slide and comment as required.
http://voicethread.com/?#q.b173199.i1016370
GRADE 11 (Problem Solving) Students can complete math problems on VoiceThread and
present their solution by downloading the problem to VoiceThread, providing a video or audio
description of how they worked out the solution. Items can be highlighted, underlined, circled
etc in order to create a dynamic environment and emphasize their ideas.




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TEACHERS CORNER CONTINUED
Tutorials and Resources:
The VoiceThread website (www.voicethread.com) has some very informative articles and
research on the benefits of their tool. They also provide introductory videos for those wishing to
learn more. Additionally, users can find YouTube videos and videos of VoiceThreads themselves in
order to get a better sense of how it can be used in the classroom.
(tutorial) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlpyJthISTQ

(article) http://voicethread.com/media/misc/support/JTECVoiceThread.pdf

(support guides) http://voicethread.com/support/guides/

(digital library) http://voicethread.com/about/library/

FOR THE BOARD/ADMINISTRATORS
A School License provides accounts for student and educators in one school building to create
VoiceThreads in our secure collaborative network, Ed.VoiceThread.
The School License runs for one calendar year and includes:
Ability to create student accounts without valid email addresses
Simple Manager tool to create student accounts and classes
Educator accounts for teachers
Custom homepage to showcase student work
Access to VT Universal and VoiceThread Mobile App
At $450.00 for 350 users
http://voicethread.com/products/k12/school/



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REFERENCES

Brunvand, S., & Byrd, S. (2011). Using VoiceThread to Promote Learning Engagement and
Success for All Students. Teaching for Exceptional Children, March/April, 28-37.
Hutchinson, N. L. (2010). Inclusion of exceptional learners in Canadian schools: a practical
handbook for teachers (3rd ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada.
Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the Digital Age: universal design for
learning. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Tomlinson, C. A., & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction & understanding by
design: connecting content and kids. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development.