Digital Learning Tool: Storytelling Tool 

• Voice Thread Website

Images of the website

An overview of Voice Thread- by Corey Lentz  

I have chosen to review Voice Thread, which is an online presentation tool with the ability to interact with your audience in several ways.  This tool allows you to use a PowerPoint presentation, pdf files, pictures/ images, videos and other media that can be uploaded to the voice thread website and add voice commentary to each slide.  This allows the educator and student to gather the details of the project/ assignment or presentation and add their own spin to customize or tailor it to their needs. 

Voice thread is fairly easy to use, but you will need to spend some time working with it.  I feel that each time I use the tool, I learn something new.  I like there are several ways to interact with the tool as well.  When I first started using it, I used the calling feature to get my voice added to the slides.  As I continue to use the tool, I find it easier to use the microphone feature.  I needed to get a microphone to be able to use this feature, but I find it a lot easier now.

Something that I feel is important to know is that if your PowerPoint presentation has some type of animation or special background, it does not transfer over to Voice Thread.  This was an issue at first for me, but now that I know about it, I avoid adding any extras to my PowerPoint presentation when using Voice Thread.  I found that you have a limited ability to edit your sides in Voice Thread.  That is an issue for me, but again I make all my changes on the PowerPoint slides first, then add it to the Voice Thread website/ tool.

This tool can be used in both business and classroom settings.  The ability to give anyone access to the presentation is a plus, as it has been my experience that you need to share your file for a PowerPoint presentation.  That will save a good amount of time for all. The down fault for that is to make sure that you have it set to have anyone view it and not a private setting. I have done that several times, and have had to go back and change it.  Business can use this to help meeting that need to be pre-planned or pre-recorded.  Voice Thread allows the user to create the content in another tool, and then add their voice to the slides at a later date.  The tool can also be used in a virtual setting or online setting as well.  Both educators and business personnel can use this to educator their students or staff about new process or procedures.

For me personally, in an educational setting, I would have students review materials/ subject matter, and add their own thoughts to the presentation or documents we are working on.  This would provide a safe setting for the student to ask questions, give their opinions or add their own thoughts to the subject matter.  This could also be used as a tool for studying.  The Voice Thread presentation can be viewed at any time and as often as they want to review it.  The tool would also be helpful for students that may be out of the classroom sick or performing another task. The educator can provide verbal directions for the leaner. 

Voice Thread has some elements that can make it easy to use.  I find that the multiple ways to interact with the tool when adding your own voice commentary can be helpful.  You can use a phone or microphone to add your voice print to each of the slides.  You can also access your device's camera to add a video to your presentation. Or you can just simply use your keyboard and type your thoughts on each slide as well.  Each element has a unique icon to help you locate the different ways to interact with the tool.  I feel the icons help me remember what I need to do to get to the next step and they are universal. 

Overall, Voice Thread is not a bad product.  I find that it gets the job done and provides flexibility to the user and their audience.  Voice Thread comes in a free version as well as a paid version, this is a benefit to me, because I can try it out and see if I like it before I buy the paid version.  This is a cost-effective way for business and educators to try new software/ website tools. 

My example of Voice Thread 

• Banking 101 

Additional Resources for Voice Thread

YouTube Videos:

• VoiceThread Tutorial
• Voicethread - The Basics
• Using Voice Thread with a PowerPoint