Using VoiceThread for Quizzes

For the past two weeks we have been studying the features of the ocean floor. I wanted a creative way to assess students' understanding, so I thought...why not use VoiceTread!  VoiceThread is an interactive collaboration and sharing tool that enables users to add images, documents, and videos, and to which other users can add voice, text, audio file, or video comments.

First, students were given a grading rubric for this assessment.  I wanted them to know exactly how this assessment would be graded.  This rubric was given several days in advance, as I wanted them to have it as they studied.  

Part #1 of the quiz required students to illustrate the ocean floor.  As they created their illustration, the rubric pointed out which features needed to be included.  After they created their illustrations, I then took a picture of each ocean floor and uploaded them all to VoiceThread.  Part #2 of the quiz required students to go into VoiceThread, find their illustration and record themselves using the drawing tools to identify and describe the features of the ocean floor. Just as they can upload and record, I, too, can do the same. As you can see on the first illlustration I have provided feedback.  I can provide either a video, text, or voice feedback.  Not only can I go in to provide feedback, the students can also go in and provide feedback for their peers.  Take a few minutes to click on the arrows to check out some of my students' work!

The students enjoyed this assessment.  It was different from paper pencil and it gave them the opportunity to be creative and to use their speaking skills.  Now, off to grade this assignment I go! If you would like to learn how to use VoiceThread I will be more than happy to create a post on it!  What are some ways you might be able to use VoiceThread in your classroom?