The activity is a fairly simple introductions unit with a Web 2.0 twist. Here is my initial script:
"Hello! My name is Charlotte Jones, I am twenty-three years old ad I am a Master’s student studying TESOL at the University of Central Florida.I am from Green Cove Springs, Florida. It is a very small town. I attended university very close to my hometown, in Jacksonville. After graduating, I became a certified teacher and taught elementary public school students in South Korea for one year. My students in Korea are my inspiration for pursuing my TESOL degree at UCF.My favorite hobby is travelling. I love learning about new cultures, taking pictures, eating new foods and practicing language.From this class, I hope to learn more about integrating Web 2.0 applications into the ESL and EFL classroom. I am very excited!"
I then entered the script into Wordle to get this beautifully presented plethora of words. Wordle never fails to "Wow."
Next, I made a VoiceThread account. This is fairly straightforward, but lower-level ELLs may benefit from a walkthrough of the how to make an internet username.
Once you have your account, Click on the "My Voice" link at the top of your screen. This will allow you to create and manage your presentations.
Once there, click "Create" and upload a photo to begin your presentation. I recommend printscreening your Wordle to use as an image.
Next, click "Comment" to add your narration. Simply read your written introduction. You have the option of recording in sections, rather than recording everything at once. I chose to record my comments in 4 sections.
Next, I made a VoiceThread account. This is fairly straightforward, but lower-level ELLs may benefit from a walkthrough of the how to make an internet username.
Once you have your account, Click on the "My Voice" link at the top of your screen. This will allow you to create and manage your presentations.
Once there, click "Create" and upload a photo to begin your presentation. I recommend printscreening your Wordle to use as an image.
Next, click "Comment" to add your narration. Simply read your written introduction. You have the option of recording in sections, rather than recording everything at once. I chose to record my comments in 4 sections.
Here is my final product!
Have students post their Voicethreads on the class page (Blackboard, Moodle, Glogster or whichever interface you choose. Voicethread also has an education option but it costs money which may not be provided by your school.) Then, require students to comment on at least two student introductions.
Grading Criteria:
1. Written Introductions should include demographics, background, hobbies and what you hope to learn from this course and proper use of grammatical structures.
2. Voicethread presentations should include your Wordle collage (copied and pasted from your written introduction) and your spoken introduction (read in its entirety)
3. Voice comments on at least two other student's Voicethread presentations
Have students post their Voicethreads on the class page (Blackboard, Moodle, Glogster or whichever interface you choose. Voicethread also has an education option but it costs money which may not be provided by your school.) Then, require students to comment on at least two student introductions.
Grading Criteria:
1. Written Introductions should include demographics, background, hobbies and what you hope to learn from this course and proper use of grammatical structures.
2. Voicethread presentations should include your Wordle collage (copied and pasted from your written introduction) and your spoken introduction (read in its entirety)
3. Voice comments on at least two other student's Voicethread presentations
