This educational platform would put a smile on Vygotsky’s face. In fact, all online communities have some aspect of social constructivism. Voicethread seems to play on this concept even more, as students are able to scaffold of each other on any particular topic. Even students of the future, (like next year-not 2010, I mean, 2110), can participate in the learning. I like the fact that it is a closed subscription community. But, that is only there to keep peace on a collaborative site, and, at least in the cynical point of view, to maintain cash flow. That is my one critique of this site. Though it is easier to use that open software, such as moodle, if you were going to equip a school with this software for each classroom it would cost $1000-3000 per year. With today’s open software advances, and the ones to come, and the economic gloom and doom on the horizon, (I’m not saying the sky is falling, but budgets will), I think this is cost prohibitive. If I was going to use it myself, it would cost me $120-240, depending on the number of sections. According to the IRS, that maxes out my personal expenditure ($150). Speaking of the IRS, it’s time to turbotax, and turboblog!
I really love VT for meaningful collaboration for students. The educational side has its advantages, and I have used it for projecrts for the class I am currently taking.... thank goodness that is over tomorrow...I am classed out.... Good luck with the turbotax...
This educational platform would put a smile on Vygotsky’s face. In fact, all online communities have some aspect of social constructivism. Voicethread seems to play on this concept even more, as students are able to scaffold of each other on any particular topic. Even students of the future, (like next year-not 2010, I mean, 2110), can participate in the learning.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that it is a closed subscription community. But, that is only there to keep peace on a collaborative site, and, at least in the cynical point of view, to maintain cash flow. That is my one critique of this site. Though it is easier to use that open software, such as moodle, if you were going to equip a school with this software for each classroom it would cost $1000-3000 per year. With today’s open software advances, and the ones to come, and the economic gloom and doom on the horizon, (I’m not saying the sky is falling, but budgets will), I think this is cost prohibitive. If I was going to use it myself, it would cost me $120-240, depending on the number of sections. According to the IRS, that maxes out my personal expenditure ($150).
Speaking of the IRS, it’s time to turbotax, and turboblog!
Nice try Eric......
ReplyDeleteI really love VT for meaningful collaboration for students. The educational side has its advantages, and I have used it for projecrts for the class I am currently taking.... thank goodness that is over tomorrow...I am classed out.... Good luck with the turbotax...