AHE VoiceThread

We would like to introduce a discussion tool that allows for video and audio conversations. The tool is called VoiceThread, and we are using it in our "Attaining Higher Education" MOOC to have interesting and community-centered conversations. Please feel free to join in - we would love to hear from you!

• VoiceThread is a cloud application, so there is no software to install. The only system requirement is an up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. VoiceThread will run in your web browser or phone, and with almost any internet connection. You can use our AHE VoiceThread here in edX, on your mobile device, or directly at the VoiceThread website. (web link)

• Free Account - to make comments in VoiceThread, you'll need to register for a free account. It's a quick and easy sign up. (web link)

• Commenting - you'll be able to comment on VoiceThread slides using one of five powerful commenting options: microphone, webcam, text, phone, and audio-file upload. Here's a tutorial. (web link)

• Best Results - for the most robust conversations, let's try and keep our comments short and concise (around 60 seconds). Please join the conversation!

Note: In order to add comments, you'll need to be a registered VoiceThread user, and signed in.

If you find the discussions below interesting,  join our free course on edX

The AHE VoiceThread Discussions:

Intentional Decision Making

• What do you think is involved in making an intentional decision?
• Is there something meaningful you've thought of doing before you go to college? What is preventing you from doing that?
• How has your approach to making decisions related to higher education changed?

Choosing a Right-fit College

• What is a right-fit college? What are you looking to gain from higher education?
• What are you thinking of studying in college? Take a look at your colleague's comments. Any trends? Any surprises?
• What are you looking for from a college community?

The College Application Process

• What piece of the application or part of the process are you most worried about?
• What is the biggest struggle you're having with the essay writing process, and how do you plan to overcome it?
• Are there any other things you should do once you've been accepted to college?

Financing Your Education

• What are the biggest concerns you have about paying for college?
• If you have experience working with VA or with a veteran certifying official, what is the most important piece of information or advice you would like to share?
• What types of financial aid will you pursue?
• How did you find the FAFSA process?

Keeping Gradate School on the Horizon

• If you're currently thinking about graduate school. How do you plan to prepare now during your undergraduate experience for the next step?
• Take a look at the undergraduate courses you had planned to take. Do you see opportunities to build professional relationships while completing your coursework?
• What is the first step you will take in building new academic relationships during your undergraduate years?
• How did you determine that a particular program was the best match for your personal and professional objectives?
• Have you given any. Thought to the costs of graduate school? Why do you believe pursuing graduate school is a good personal investment?
• Are there any suggestions you have for your fellow students as they think about next steps?