The document discusses findings from a study investigating the use of VoiceThread, an online tool for audio and video feedback, with a Year 9 class. Key points: 1) VoiceThread was used to develop students' confidence in speaking by having them provide feedback and create their own VoiceThreads analyzing characters in a novel. 2) The teacher found students were engaged with VoiceThread activities and some accessed it from home. It created a comfortable platform for all students to respond. 3) While positives included student enthusiasm and development of speaking skills, the main negative was lack of consistent computer access, which hindered sustained progress.

1. Web 2.0 Findings Investigating the use of VoiceThread with a Y9 class The actual class which I am now using as part of my study has changed from the actual Y9 class I focused on for my initial studies and findings due to class changes, etc, however they are classes which are quite similar in ability and have the same needs which I originally outlined when beginning this study. Therefore although the group has changed, my focus is still on developing students’ confidence in talk through using VoiceThread.

2. VoiceThread Developing students’ confidence Focused on my Y9 class Created VoiceThreads for them to feedback on, then focused on students creating their own Used them so far to analyse characters within a novel Just wanted to clearly outline how I had been using this technology, with whom and why, as many colleagues are also exploring VoiceThread, however we are all have different focus areas and therefore our outcomes have been very different. It was interesting to hear how colleagues from different subject areas have been using this tool with their students and it gave me further ideas regarding how I can develop its use within English lessons. Particularly liked hearing how it was being used in Modern Foreign Languages to enhance students’ speaking and listening skills and this has given me the idea to use it in English in order to explore and develop students’ speaking and listening skills within my own subject area, especially as this counts as an assessment area within GCSE criteria.

3. Other Comments HOD commented how when came into observe, many students explained how they liked using the new technology. Commented how students are clearly developing confidence in beginning to record their voices on the system. Felt this was important information to highlight for two reasons: Firstly, to emphasise why it is so important to improve our access to computers within school as students are actually enjoying using this new technology, as well as learning at the same time. Secondly, as my study focus had been on developing students confidence when talking and sharing their ideas and it was good to see another colleague able to pick up on and comment on the clear progression students are making with reference to this focus, through more sustained use of this new technology. HOD is now keen for me to share this new technology and its possible uses within our department, but also to a wider audience through my role as literacy co-ordinator for the academy also.

4. Positive Findings All students were engaged and interested in the activities Some even accessed from home Created platform for all students to feel comfortable to respond (typing or recording responses) VoiceThreads created have been used to develop talk within the classroom. I think it is of great importance that the students are enthusiastic to access this technology as at no point have I found any real ‘negative findings’ in relation to students using this technology - the negatives solely focus on appropriate and consistent access to computers for whole classes of students. Sometimes the positives can be waylaid due to the negative elements regarding the lack of access to working computers, etc, and whilst this is an issue which does hinder progress greatly, I feel it is important to highlight the successes as they are of great magnitude - students are enjoying using this technology; they are keen to help one another in their access to it; they are developing the confidence to record their voices and not to just ‘be heard’ through typed responses; and students are accessing this technology, and thus their work, at home in their own time and sharing it with their parents / siblings. Very important and significant progress is therefore clearly being made.

5. Negative Findings Not all students could access the tasks set on Voicethread - not enough computers to allow access Unable to gain consistent access to computers Have access to Cyber Cafe on a Tuesday, but often wires have been pulled out, etc. As already highlighted - the negatives have nothing to do with student enjoyment or progress, but sadly actual access to computers and thus the technologies. Access has to be made more convenient, reliable and consistent for developed progress to be made and sustained. I was relieved to find that many of my colleagues shared the same findings regarding problems encountered in relation to technology and computer access. Lets hope changes can now be made in order to pave the way for great student success in the future due to access to these technologies.