Google Documentation and VoiceThread

Today I looked into two new resources.  I thought they could be very useful in the future.

Google Documentation is a wonderful way to have students collaborate on an assignment.  For example, I want my students to write a report on Mount Rushmore in groups of 3.  These students could participate in writing, editing and researching.  By communicating with each other on GoogleDocs they need not meet face to face.  They could work productively anywhere a computer is available.  In addition, I as the teacher can guide these students into constructing this report effectively before or after school hours.

VoiceThread is another excellent method for students to collaborate on an assignment.  Using the above example, creating an account and group through Voice Thread the same students and myself could, if they choose, record a message for the their classmates to hear.

VoiceThread could also be used by teacher and the students to communicate effectively about a topic or lesson.  The teacher may have an assignment that involves new concepts.  By creating a recording to her students this teacher could give her audience a shared example.

Both GoogleDocs and VoiceThread are great examples of how students and teachers can use technology to collaborate effectively.