Web 2.0 tools and
technologies allow access to a myriad of information around the world and help
students think critically and solve problems. This collection of Web-based
tools (e.g., wikis, blogs, instant messaging, podcasting, YouTube, etc.) allow
students to interact and communicate with their teachers, peers, and learn
about different cultures around the world. One such tool some schools use is
VoiceThread.
VoiceThread is an
online media album that can hold numerous media-like images, documents and
videos. Its affordances are that it allows users to create their work, make
comments using voice, text, audio file or video and share them with anyone they
want. Students can also use it to upload images and tell stories about the
images. They can type or speak their comments using a microphone or telephone.
VoiceThread lets students interact with their teachers and classmates. One of its
main features is that it facilitates collaborative work. Some schools are linking VoiceThread and other
student work to the school websites using WordPress, which is a full content
management system that can be used as a publishing platform. One constraint
related to this technology is that teachers can be overwhelmed by having to
learn about the many digital tools available nowadays. Another constraint might
be the inability to make connections with students who do not have computers or
have a problem communicating with these social tools. Thus, it is important to
understand the needs of students and teachers in relation to technology use.
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