Weekly Report & Reflection blog post #9

Digital Citizenship [Digital image]. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://scharmbergwilmu.weebly.com/

This week focused on the application of digital responsibility whilst using collaborative tools to build our knowledge around this topic. Additionally, I explored with a new digital tool called, VoiceThread. VoiceThread is an online tool that grants individuals/ users the ability to participate in discussions by commenting their opinions on slides created by students from all over. Before this class, I knew nothing about this tool and most likely would not have been aware of it if it were not required of us to do so. VoiceThread is a good tool because I was able to gain a deeper understanding of digital rights and responsibilities and it was very intriguing to see other students’ views/ opinions on the topic.

After using VoiceThread, I found that it is an exceedingly healthy way to construct a communication medium for collaborative discussions. Having the options to features such as type, audio, or video recording allows users to submit their opinions any way they’d like. These features form a significant method for learning in view of the fact that users can read what other users are thinking. In so doing, it greatly develops the reader’s recognition of the topic and will make it easier to further their learning. VoiceThread will most especially be advantageous when working in groups. Moreover, I plan on showing this tool to my other classmates as I feel it will be helpful for them in regards to their learning. This tool can also be used as a means to encourage participation in students by interaction with other students just as we do in our seminars.

Moving on, VoiceThread assists in the enhancement of my knowledge by giving me the opportunity to read others thoughts and information. In my exploration of VoiceThread, I noticed how when reading multiple posts made by students, it is in a sense expanding the knowledge of the readers on the subject. At times, it is a challenge to understand or accept another users perspective if you do not agree with it. I did also find that there were a lot of opposing views as to what classified as a digital right and responsibility, however, this is what makes learning fun. The multiple opposing perspectives made me look at the information in a different manner and it brought somewhat of a clear side of thinking that way. This type of information gives readers, such as myself, more options to learn rather than sticking to one way of thinking.

My Feedly reading this week goes with this week's activities. Using VoiceThread to Build Student Engagement. As you can probably tell by the title although it is pretty dated, it discusses the many benefits to using VoiceThread. Author John, Orlando lists the following reasons:

• Student driven discussion
• A growing lecture
• Improved social presence
• Better understanding of nuance
• Student projects

He also says that most of the time students don’t stop the instructor in the middle of a lecture so by the time a lecture is done they have already forgotten their question. Or if you’re like me, you’re too nervous to ask in front of the class so you wait and when you wait for too long the question has left your mind. So, this article is a really good one that shows and explains the many ways to use VoiceThread and how it may help you.

VOICETHREAD [Logo]. (2016). Retrieved from http://ruonlinecon.rutgers.edu/sponsors