Holly

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**Special thanks to Jonathan for voicing some of the characters!**

This is the first time that I have used both VoiceThread and a wiki on my own. I know that I like the use of wikis in the classroom. Not only is it a great way for a teacher to communicate with students, it is also a phenomenal way for students to showcase projects throughout the year and for parents to keep up-to-date with the happenings in a classroom. I was skeptical about using the VoiceThread because it was new to me. I did not know how to use it, but it was very easy to navigate the different parts once I poked around a bit.

At first, it was incredibly awkward to hear my own voice being recorded. I kept stumbling over my words and having to re-record it. Once I got used to how the widget worked, though, I felt much more confident in recording my voice and reading more fluently. Getting the different characters' voices correct while reading in my own voice sometimes became difficult. I would read a character in a higher voice and try to flow back into my normal voice, but I would get caught in the slide and squeak or my voice would crack. My fiance read two of the characters. It was so funny! We had several laughter fits that we had to reign in in order to continue the VoiceThread. I was very thankful for his help, and he made the recording more fun.

That being said, I think that doing a VoiceThread in collaborative groups would be better than doing them individually for certain projects. It would be a great way for students of any age (capable of using this medium of technology) to learn to work together on an assignment and incorporate a different type of technology as a product. Using VoiceThread also helps with students' fluency. If they do not have fluidity in their reading when recording, they have to re-record it. I had to do that a few times at first, but then I was able to go through many slides with immense fluency. I think that this would be great practice for students who have issues with fluency. It is a fun way for them to practice, and it gives them the ability to try as many times as they need with less embarrassment than speaking in front of the class would. It allows them to build their confidence as well as their skills.

Pairing a wiki with the VoiceThread allows the teacher to monitor the privacy of the students. Confidentiality is a major deal in school, regardless of level, and teachers have to be aware of the level of privacy at all times. Having both outlets together allows students to showcase work by manipulating the privacy setting on two levels: with the wiki and the VoiceThread. Teachers can let their students create the widgets and share them on their personal class wikis as a published product and still be safe.

In conclusion, I think that VoiceThread would be a great addition to any classroom. It can be used for so many different assignments and projects, and students will enjoy using a different type of technology.