VoiceThread - Your images and commentary

Voice Thread

This is a website that essential allows you to post images with audio commentary. I am going to let them explain what it is... it is a little bit different, that's for sure. And below I have included a link to Francois Guite's discussion of this tool on his Relief blog.

Despite the first glance impression, VoiceThreads are not slideshows, and neither are we a photo-hosting site. What we are is a place to talk, capture and then save the voices that surround our images, a new kind of web forum.

What I like is that not only can the owner of the picture record a commentary, but other users seem to be able to record notes as well.

A VoiceThread allows every child in a class to record audio commentary about the ideas and experiences that are important to them. Whether an event, a project, or a milestone, children can tell their story in their own voice, and then share it with the world. For teachers, VoiceThreads offer a single vessel to capture and then share all the diverse personalities of an entire class.

Sounds pretty cool so far... I love the thought of being able to host 'voices'! And they seem to be big on use of the tool in the classroom. I found an 'Educator' section on their site and here is a bit of what they had to say...

VoiceThreads are free for educators!

Creating VoiceThreads will always be free for educators and the students that fill their classrooms. This includes publishing them on the web, and sharing them with the child's friends and family. It's really important to us that there are no barriers; no cost to fully participate, no software to buy or download, and no contracts to manage.

Check out the information on the Education section of the site.

Just to keep you guessing, and explanation of why VoiceThreads is like an elephant. Really. (Make sure to mouse over descriptions to get the full effect!) Finally, if you just want to know more about the tool, check out the VoiceThread FAQs.

Francois Guite also mentions the tool on his blog, and there is a brief discussion en francais.
VoiceThread: albums audio (12 mars 2007)