Using VoiceThreads to Promote Critical Thinking in Literature

Teaching Literature withVoiceThreads-How to Guide for BeginnersVicki PhillipsSenior InstructorRasmussen College

Copyright 2015 Vicki E. Phillips

What Are VoiceThreads?

Students can type, use built-in video, use a mic, or even call in their comments

The Comments can become quite extensive

How do you moderate?Students upload their icon and commentsVoiceThread.com sends you (the creator of the Thread) an email.You must open the curtain on the comment so that everyone can see and hear it.

Sample comments by students-they can even upload a picture or use one of VTs Icon symbols (as their Avatar).

Critical Thinking Components

In this example, one of students chose to use a webcam to respond. You can see the voice icon showing up in the left side with the voiceplayer icon.

Examples of Critical Thinking:When Students Become the Teachers

Voicethread is easy to use and students can really surprise you with the extensive projects they create when given the opportunity to showcase their learning!

Editor Page

Where you set up the control of the VoiceThread

More Stuff You Need to Know How to Control the Comments and Viewing on your page!

4=A3=B2=C1=Dbackground info of significant authorvery thorough and detailedsome detailsa few detailsvery few detailsanalysis very thoughtful and complex thinking excellent support (details and examples) for analysis and conclusions thoughtful and complex thinkinganalysis and conclusions adequately supported by details and examplessomewhat thoughtful and complex thinkinganalysis and conclusions somewhat supported by details and examplessimple and superficial analysisanalysis and conclusions lacks support in the form of details and examplescreativityVery fresh and unique presentationinvolves the audience/ interactive/ captures and maintains audience's attentionVery innovative design and deliveryFresh and somewhat unique presentation at times captures audience's attentioninnovative design and deliverysomewhat simple and straightforward presentationsometimes captures audience's attentionSome attempt at innovative design and deliveryrarely captures and maintains audience's attentionDesign and delivery simple clarity and organizationVery clear and easy to follow presentationClear and easy to follow presentationSomewhat clear and somewhat easy to follow presentationUnclear and difficult to follow presentationdeliveryVery clear and professional speech Very interesting andtimelyClear and professional speech interesting andtimelySomewhat clear and professional Speech sometimes interesting andtimely Unclear, unprofessional and untimely speechgrammar, spellingmechanics, delivery of VTUses only present tense verbs Uses active verbs appropriatelyVery Few if any spelling or grammatical errorsUses mostly present tense verbs Uses active verbs somewhat appropriatelyA Few pronunciation or grammatical errorsUses some present tense verbs Uses active verbs at times Some spelling or grammatical errors or pronunciation errors.Fails to use present tense verbs Active verbs rarely usedMany spelling or grammatical errorsMLA or APA reference sheetAll sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in the desired formatAll sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented, but no more than 1 are not in the desired formatAll sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented, but many are not in the desired formatSome sources are not accurately documentedComments on VTComments are substantial and add to discussion.Meets min. requirements and most are substantialMinimum number but most are not substantial.Does not meet min. number assigned for project

Scoring for the Voicethread Presentation (Rubric)Total points: ____ Student name:_________________

Sample of rubric I created to score the optional Voicethread Student created projects.Yes, students do need a rubric when they are creating and it is being graded!10

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