Robin Talkowski’s Blog: Reading & Technology

Students and teachers have spent many hours working on reading fluency.  One way I have been working with students not just to read the words but to read with appropriate pauses, intonation, and expression is by using Audacity.  Using Audacity is especially helpful when students are doing a “dramatic” reading of a poem.  I like this resource because students can not only hear their own voice but see what the voice patterns look like.  Together we can listen for clarity and appropriate speed and look for changes in tone, emphasis, and pacing.  Students always marvel that they sound so different.

When the reading sounds just about right.  Students use Voice Thread to record themselves … for real.  They can then send their poem off to parents and friends for comment.  I have found tons of ways to use Voice Thread in addition to students recording their work such as leaving sub plans and communicating with parents about what we have done in class.  Next fall I will be using it to facilitate a professional development  program.