Rationale

"Voice recognition applications are expanding the range of learning possibilities, especially in higher education" (Developments, 2004). The basics for this tool already exist. In many Learning Management Systems, for example, you can reply to a discussion post using audio and a number of other software allow for the same. What allows VACT to stand out from the crowd is the voice activation component that allows for you to navigate and participate in the discussion using nothing but your voice. Completely hands free, from anywhere, at anytime.

Using VACT also provides/supports:

  1. New ways for students to interact with course material and engage in flexible learning. "Social and participatory media offer opportunities to interact and share user generated content" (Casey & Wells, 2015).

  2. The ability for deeper peer-to-peer interaction. The encouragement of the utilization of ones voice may help to build that sense of community in a more personal way.

  3. Studies show that learning through audio is welcomed by students. Majority finding lecture audio to be useful in supporting learning because of its simple technical requirement, high uptake and positive outcomes (Bickerdike et al., 2014).

  4. Opportunity to build and improve speaking skills and confidence. Student practice coherently articulating view points. This can be done in a simple way in a ESL course or more complex ways like in a law course, for example, where sides should be debated and quality of verbal delivery is crucial.

  5. High levels of mobility. Although an online course can be accessed through mobile device, students often have to look at their phone to navigate, participate in discussions and so on. VACT takes away this need with audio discussions. Students (especially adult learners) are often juggling work, school, and family. The simple ability to participate in your class and make dinner at the same time can increase motivation amongst users.

  6. The opportunity to step away from the screen. High level of screen time is a growing concern. VACT allows you to complete a portion of your course without the need to look a screen at all.

Conclusion

I believe that VACT would be advantageous to your classroom.

The ability to use this technology with nothing but your voice allows users the freedom to participate in discussions while doing other tasks. Yes, you can listen to the podcast in your car while driving, but you previously couldn’t finish the activity that is associated with that podcast without looking at your phone. VACT allows you to participate, interact, and engage with your course without hindrance or restraint.

There is also the additional benefit of being able to hear your classmate. I think that would help connect students in new ways. Help build that connection and sense of community in a way they may not be used to. Yes, they may hear accents and dialects, but I think that's a good thing. The ability to truly hear each other, especially in an online course, is invaluable.

VACT has the ability to build confidence in ones voice and allows students to demonstrate understanding or the meeting of outcomes in an alternative way (instead of the expected essay or research paper). The ability to explain in your own words is a valuable skill for students to build and this tool allows for this.

Finally, VACT will take mobile technology, like podcasts or audio only lectures, that is void of interaction and collaboration and add that in in a way that is convenient and easy to use. Students can now hear what their classmates’ thoughts are as they progress, give feedback, and share ideas. This level of participation takes the experience of using this mobile technology to the next level and offers students additional ways to engage and learn.