Here is a slideshare by Russeltarr on using voicetools in education.

Voicethread demo

VoiceThread notes: This project shows how VoiceThread can be used for teaching and learning a second or foreign language. Students are introduced to vocabulary via images or text, and they engage in oral practice of the language. Images from textbooks can be used to illustrate the exercise while inspiring discussion around vocabulary topics. Students can show their speaking skills without feeling "on-the-spot" as they might in a class or group setting. This helps better engage learners who are not inclined to participate in class. The VoiceThread practice might even be used as a supplement or alternative to class-participation requirements. VoiceThread gives students more opportunity for more practice with speaking and writing, both candidly or by repetition, than class time will often allow. In effect, students gain a deeper and more sensory-integrated learning experience which may result in an increase in students' retention.

Benefits to students of a foreign or second language

• Students can practice vocabulary orally on their own time and outside of the classroom where they may be less inclined to speak in the new language.
• Students get excited about integrating technology into their learning experience.
• Students take ownership over a project in which they participate using a new language.
• Initiates visual as well as auditory learning for non-conventional learners.
• Foreign and second-language learners can also practice writing and speaking phrases, along with using grammar rules in a VoiceThread.
• Students can give oral reports or presentations on a chosen topic in the foreign language, using images, video or other documents to illustrate their project.
• A more advanced variation would be to practice simple-to-complex dialog in the foreign language. Teacher and students can comment on images or video that provide inspiration for discussion in the new language.

Another example of using Voicethreads - these are primary (yes, little kids) students putting together Digital Portfolio for their parents using Voicethreads. Teaching Sagittarian Blog