VoiceThread is a Web 2.0 multimedia sildeshow application with a twist.  Slideshows can be created from images (JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG), documents (PPT, PPS, PDF, DOC, XLS), and a variety of video formats (no list of video formats was provided).  The twist is that you can allow others to leave comments on your VoiceThread through audio (microphone, telephone, and audio file), text, or video.  Other viewers can see these comments and leave their own.  VoiceThread also provides a secure area for K-12 learners where all users are registered and known.

Strengths:

• VoiceThreads can be embedded in blogs and web pages or exported to video files
• Commenters can draw on a VoiceThread to make visual annotations
• Comments can be moderated, allowing the VoiceThread creator to control which comments are seen
• “Walled garden” for K-12 learners provides a place for safe interaction with users from outside your classroom

Weaknesses:

• The VoiceThread interface provides no clear progress indicator during an upload.  It is difficult to tell if a large file is actually being uploaded.
• Educators and/or their schools must pay to gain access to the restricted K-12 area.  The free Basic Educator account cannot access it.

VoiceThread would be useful to educators in all grade levels and content areas.  Younger children may require a great deal of supervision and assistance, however.  This would be an amazing tool for peer review of student artwork.  VoiceThreads would also be great for students to share any sort of project.

To make use of the site you need internet access and a computer with Adobe’s Flash player.  You will need to set up a user account.  VoiceThread provides several different levels of service, with varying restrictions on file size and number of VoiceThreads.  They do provide a free account for K-12 educators that is very similar to their Pro level accounts, however, access to the restricted K-12 area is available only to paid accounts.  A breakdown of K-12 pricing options is located here.