Blog Entry 5

https://www.healio.com/nursing/journals/jne/2019-3-58-3/%7B51dab68f-714c-4311-9624-9a15cc41048a%7D/utilizing-voicethread-technology-to-foster-community-learning-in-the-virtual-classroom?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=sociallinks

VoiceThread

This article was targeted on how the online nursing classes used this tool. One thing that stuck out to me was that the tool is compatible with most online learning platforms. The only thing that turns me off is that it is can be purchased by a single instructor or an entire school. The students do not purchase their own individual accounts. This tool allows students to learn in a social environment. The article then goes into detail on how the instructor used the tool. It gives you a run-down on how the article fits in, in a school setting. Most of the students after using VoiceThread really loved how the information was presented to them. I really like the statement, “really does provide a comprehensive study guide for the students made by the students.” The shows that the students do enjoy the VoiceThread.

Thinglink

Thinglink allows educators to create interactive images with music, sounds, texts, and photographs. These can be shared on other websites or on social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. Thinglink offers the possibility for teachers to create learning methodologies that awaken the curiosity of students through interactive content that can expand their knowledge. There are different levels of Thinglink. There is the free version with just Interactive image editing and Virtual tour creation. There are two levels that you can purchase, one for $35/per year and the other for $1000/per year. Each level of course comes with more and more features. It is available as a Chrome app, on the Web, and on iOS and Android. It is super easy to find information about how to work the website. Links can lead users to informational Web pages, audio recordings, and videos. Prompts guide users most of the way, and a Search Content option helps support the embedding process with links to commonly used Web resources.

Personally, I think that ThingLink would be a great way to get students engaged in any information that seems boring. I could use it in ELA to help connect students to the stories. Also, I can use it in Social Studies when the information just seems like it is overloaded with facts.

The only thing that I can see being a challenge would be having students get off task when creating the ThingLink. Also, the time to create and actually use the tool to its full potential.