I’ve been teaching for over 30 years, offering business courses and career advice in Information Systems and Technologies, Principles of MIS, Internship Programs, and Excel-focused professional programs. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to preparing students academically and professionally. One of the most effective tools I use to bridge the classroom and the workplace is VoiceThread.
How I Use VoiceThread to Foster Career Readiness
In all my courses—whether Face-to-Face, Online Synchronous, or Asynchronous—VoiceThread is central to embedding career readiness into the curriculum. I design assignments where students must record themselves explaining their work, as if presenting to their boss. Whether walking through an Excel model, presenting a research project, or demonstrating an algorithmic solution, VoiceThread helps students practice articulating technical concepts clearly and professionally.
This approach builds two essential career skills:
- Technical Communication: Students learn to explain complex processes and decisions clearly, an ability crucial for success in interviews and professional roles.
- Professional Confidence: Speaking about their work aloud helps students feel more comfortable and self-assured, preparing them for the types of conversations they will have in the workplace.
Many students have shared that practicing their assignments through VoiceThread made a real difference when they were asked to discuss their skillset during job interviews.
Why I Embed Career Readiness Using VoiceThread
I know how important it is for students to leave the classroom ready for real-world challenges. Using VoiceThread allows me to simulate professional situations where students must present, explain, and defend their work, just like in an internship, job interview, or corporate setting. These experiences make academic work more authentic and empower students to transition confidently into their careers.
VoiceThread: A Simple but Powerful Teaching Tool
I encourage other faculty to incorporate VoiceThread to develop students’ communication skills in a low-pressure, highly supportive environment. VoiceThread’s flexibility allows students to record at their own pace while building the real-time skills they’ll need in the workforce. It also provides a medium for peer-to-peer feedback and instructor engagement, creating a more interactive, community-driven classroom experience.
A Teaching “Win” Made Possible by VoiceThread
The rewarding moments in my teaching career are hearing from former students who landed an internship largely because of a VoiceThread assignment. For my class, the students must present an Excel solution in a mock workplace scenario. During the real interview, when asked to describe their technical skills, they confidently referenced that experience, impressing the interviewers and securing the position. These continuous stories capture the impact VoiceThread can have on career readiness.
A Favorite Assignment Using VoiceThread – Where to Begin
Each semester, I begin my courses with a VoiceThread-based icebreaker. Students record a short introduction video, sharing their interests and background while responding to a fun prompt. They then comment on a classmate’s post, fostering early connections and creating an inclusive environment from the very start. This small exercise sets the tone for the kind of engaged, communicative community we build throughout the semester and builds the students’ confidence using VoiceThread.
About the Author: Curtis Izen is a senior information associate and VoiceThread Certified Educator. He also adjuncts at Baruch College and the School of Professional Studies at the City University of New York. Curtis is passionate about integrating new philosophies and technology into the curriculum and has received numerous pedagogical awards.