Vocaroo

Crisis CommunicationConstructionismPodcastStorytelling

Vocaroo is an online tool that allows users to record, send, and download voice messages. Teachers and learners can use Vocaroo in different activities, such as podcasting, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and giving feedback. Recordings can be downloaded, sent, or even scanned with a QR code reader.

Vocaroo screenshot
Vocaroo interface screenshot

Tool Snapshot

Price Free
Learning Constructionism
Ease of Use ★★★★✩
Privacy ★★✩✩✩
Accessibility ★★✩✩✩
Class Size Unlimited
ISTE*S Empowered Learner, Creative Communicator
COPPA/
FERPA
No COPPA/FERPA policy found. Check with your school IT administrator.

Vocaroo Overview

Vocaroo is simple and user-friendly. The tool can be accessed directly without logging in to an account. The audio files created on Vocaroo can be shared as a link on blogs, websites, and social networking sites. Recordings are available for a few months (three months usually). The Vocaroo widget can be embedded on another website, so that, for example, your students can record voice messages via Vocaroo directly from your class website. This tool does not require knowledge of HTML. The recordings can be downloaded in different formats, including mp3, Ogg, flag, and wav.

Access and Equity

The site is free and can be accessed from any place in the world through an online browser. In the past, Vocaroo was a flash-based tool. Today, it no longer requires Adobe Flash to function. Recorded messages can be listened to on most mobile devices that support HTML5.

Ease of Use

Once you have a microphone, it is easy to use.

Accessibility

The website does not provide special options for users with hearing or visual disabilities.

Privacy

Vocaroo uses the following services to track cookies: Google Adsense (for advertisements), AddThis (for social media sharing), and DISQUS (for commenting on public messages). DISQUS is only enabled if you click “comments” under a message.

Power & Bias

Vocaroo is not responsible for the content of the messages recorded. Students need to learn how to use the tool ethically.

Vocaroo Overview Video

Watch on YouTube

Vocaroo & the SAMR Model

Dr. Ruben Puentedura’s SAMR model offers a lens for examining how technology is adopted in a classroom. As you strive to incorporate online tools into your classroom, we encourage you to use this model as an analytic tool.

Here is an example of how Vocaroo fits the SAMR Model :

Learning Activities

Feedback and Comments

Learners and teachers can provide voice comments (rather than text-based comments). They can share a link to the voice comments in a Google Doc, blog, or learning management systems, such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Google Classroom.

English Language Learning

Learners can record and listen to themselves. Students can take notes on their grammar and pronunciation. They can also use Vocaroo to rehearse their presentations. Record their presentations, listen, and practice.

Class Activities

Podcasting, making a character interview or historical event dramatization, online discussions, explaining a process or procedure in Math or Science, the possibilities are endless for classroom activities.

Combining Vocaroo With Other Tools

The Vocaroo recorded messages can be embedded in Google Earth, Padlet, or Thinglink.  Look at an example of digital geography.

Resources

Tips on how to use Vocaroo:

Research

Butarbutar, R. (2021). How does Technology Vocaroo Improve Students’ Speaking Ability? A Study from Learner, Teacher, and Researcher’s Perspective. Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing5(3), 1635-1640.

Mahoney, J., & Hall, C. (2017). Using technology to differentiate and accommodate students with disabilitiesE-Learning and Digital Media14(5), 291-303.

Serafini, T. M., & Blair, R. (2017). Can You Hear Me Now? An Innovative Approach to Assess and Build Connections with Online LearnersSystemics, Cybernetics, and Informatics15(6), 6-11.

This content is provided to you freely by EdTech Books.

Access it online or download it at https://edtechbooks.org/onlinetools/vocaroo.