The tool that I have used to help synthesize information about a chosen artwork(s) is Voicethread. I have used this Web 2.0 tool with my fourth and fifth graders so far with great success. Using Voicethread students can create a personal response to a particular artwork we have discussed in class. This format encourages students to critique, examine and discuss the work by sharing their thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. For some students this can help them to overcome some fear of expressing their opinions in class. Voicethread also helps students to develop their voice, much like blogs can, through the ability to compose, listen to, and edit responses before saving them. I also like the fact that it teaches students to script what they are going to say to a degree so it can be understood by a larger audience.
Once I have introduced the work(s) in class I create a voicethread by uploading the images. I can then type in a text question(s) to lead student discussion about the work. Students can login and respond via text, audio file, video (via webcam) or by recording their voice using an external or built-in microphone. Students can also use the doodle feature, which they love, to create points of interest during their comments. We create the responses in the computer lab and the students are also encouraged to respond from home if possible. I also include a slide in which they can pose questions to me about the time period, particular artist(s) or specific technique used to create the work.
I am thinking of creating a slide where parents can add their thoughts after discussing the work with their child or simply add something they already know about the work. This could provide not only a talking point for parents and students but also a community that continues to value the arts through discussion, exploration and synthesis.
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