1. AUDACITY
1.1. Free of charge. Compatible with Mac OSX, Windows, Linux and other operating systems. Lightweight and a relatively small program size. Open source with community support working to continually improve it.
1.1.1. Several known (and unknown) bugs exist that can cause the program to become unstable. The program is limited in its mixing capabilities. Some aspects are more complex, and not as user-friendly. The program is not as complete, as you will have to install plug-ins/encoders separately.
2. VOICETHREAD
2.1. The first advantage, VoiceThread application is web based and there is no software to download or install. This feature is great because accessibility is a necessity to online class participants. VoiceThread supports Microsoft Office Suite, PDF, images, and videos software which is also an advantage. A student can use the application to create an audio file, transfer the file into a PowerPoint presentation and share it with the online class. As a result, facilitators and students can view the presentation and insert audio comments. The third advantage is the “five innovative ways” to voice record. The user can record by computer microphone, telephone, uploading audio files from MP3 or WAV format, web camera and typing text. The final advantage is the learn-to-use tools.
2.1.1. A huge disadvantage is the inability to allow multiple users to have simultaneous access to the same account. As a result, every participant of an online class course must use a single class account login. For example, CMU Blackboard allows multiple users with different account login to access “EDU508 KY Certificate in Online Instruction” course or classroom at the same time. VoiceThread does not offer or have simultaneous access capability which allow participants the ability to editing and deleting information without approval. Technical issues are another disadvantage of VoiceThread. The application has difficulties sometime when upload various images and videos. The process of uploading can be slow with unknown or unpredictable time limits. The last disadvantage is limitations of free accounts.