Using+VoiceThread+to+Encourage+the+Learning+Disabled


 * USING VOICETHREAD TO ENCOURAGE THE LEARNING DISABLED **
 * By: Wanda Brewer **

Individuals with a learning disability find it very difficult to learn. A learning disability is a neurological disorder that results in a different way an individual’s brain processes information. These individuals have normal/average to high Intelligence Quotients, but are unable to process information that is learned in a so called “traditional” way or as most people. They have reading, writing, and attention deficiencies that may prevent them from participating in class, achieving good grades, and completing assignments or test. They have been unsuccessful in the area of education most of their lives. With the use of technology, many of these students have been able to gain knowledge with limited struggles.

VoiceThread has been a technology Web 2.0 device that has assisted and improved learning for those students who are learning disabled. VoiceThread is an interactive tool that enables the users to have conversations about images, documents, and videos, therefore motivating the student to participate in class. Educators have limitless ways in using a VoiceThread in their classrooms. For example, a teacher may select some images about a dragon for a VoiceThread. The student will then comment on each image creating a story. This assignment would motivate a student with a learning disability by capturing their attention with the images and being able to create their story without being constantly asked, by the teacher, to write a story without prompts and becoming frustrated. Since reading and writing is difficult, there may be problems in recording sentences that flow. After the learning disabled student has listened to other classmates, they will become familiar with how sentences flow and will feel more comfortable recording their own voice. Remember, their attention has already been captured. The students should be allowed to work independently or with a small group and at his/her own pace to be successful.

VoiceThreads assist teachers in discovering learning strengths and learning styles of their students. Teachers will also be able to build a bridge to connect what the student knows and what the student needs to learn, therefore creating a positive environment for learning. Students who are not active in class will be more involved in their learning. This technology tool is easy to access and is very cost effective and it can be used in all curriculums and grade levels.

[] [] Zorigian, K. A. The effects of web-based publishing on students? reading motivation. //Unpublished doctoral thesis//. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. (2009).Retrieved 3/30/11 from:
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