Voice Threads

     In my educational media class we are learning about all different types of media and today we discussed voice threads. I have never heard of this before, but think it is very interesting. We discussed that one of the ways to use voice threads is in a powerpoint-like presentation. At first I wondered what the benefits of voice threads were over a traditional powerpoint and lecture. Why not just create your powerpoint and then tell your students the things you were planning to record on the voice thread? However, I then began to realize several benefits for using a voice thread. 

The first one I considered was that the teacher could plan ahead and make a powerpoint and voice thread and then let them learn a little on their own and asks questions when needed, by following along with the presentation the teacher could also pause the slide and make additional comments. I also considered that if a student does not hear the explanation a teacher gives the first time, it is possible to hear the voice thread again and again. I also like the drawing feature of the voice thread because it gives the presentation some pizazz. Instead of just looking at motionless pictures and words,  students may be intrigued by the drawings which adds movement and excitement to the slide. So, I decided that the benefits of a voice thread presentation greatly outweigh those of a traditional powerpoint and lecture. 

Learning about copyright issues

I am a sophomore in English/Language Arts Education at a large college in the south. I am finally finished with all of my basic courses and am taking my first education course. After completing the first reading assignment in my educational media class I am feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities a teacher must keep up with. Not only are teachers responsible for the welfare and education of a classroom full of students, now I have learned they must keep up with the current copyright procedures! Copyright was not something I was anticipating to learn about, however, I now have an entire textbook loaded with facts! Who knew that all most every movie I watched in highschool was considered copyright infringement. I was also shocked to hear that before a teacher distributes a worksheet, she must be sure to obtain the proper copyright information or risk infringment charges. These are things I just never thought about, so I am glad to be taking this course! During my pre-teaching experience I was feeling a little bogged down by all of the duties a teacher must keep up with. However, over the course of the week I had come to feel confident that I could handle such responsibilites. I am sure that with experience I will also become more confident in the many rules regarding copyright.

For more information see: Simpson, Carol. Copyright for Schools. 26 May 2009.