VoiceThread

What is VoiceThread?

VoiceThread is a tool for creating interactive threaded discussions integrated into Moodle and Blackboard Learn. It is also a simple option for recorded student presentations. You can think of VoiceThread as a conversation around a slideshow of media files. These media files can be PowerPoint slides, PDFs, images, video files, audio files, and more. You can mix these types of media, so your VoiceThread could include six presentation slides, four images, a video, and two more presentation slides at the end. Once you have your media, you and your students can add comments using voice (through your computer’s microphone), video (using your computer’s webcam), or text (using the keyboard on your computer).  

Why should I use VoiceThread?

VoiceThread gives instructors a tool to replicate and create robust and authentic activities. Tools that provide multiple options for presenting content in the online portion of courses is paramount. One such tool available to instructors and students at UMass Amherst is VoiceThread. 

What can I do with VoiceThread in my class?

You can use VoiceThread in your course to: 

• Allow yourself and students to introduce themselves with video and voice.
• Create and share narrated presentations.
  
• Simulate cases, debates, and other situations.
  
• Create audio or video announcements.
• Create multimedia presentations.
• Share videos, images, and documents and solicit feedback, questions, and analysis.
• Gather perspectives on a concept or idea. 
• Practice skills or work through a case.
• Build a sense of community online.

Getting Started with VoiceThread

VoiceThread is integrated into Blackboard and Moodle and you do not need to create a separate VoiceThread account to use the tool. If you choose to use VoiceThread in your course, it is best to start off with an ungraded activity or assignment. These activities afford students the ability to practice and develop comfort and competency with the tool before completing activities intended for academic credit. We suggest introducing low-risk activities at the beginning of the semester such as a personal introduction before using it for graded assignments later in the semester.

**Please Note: We highly recommend using VoiceThread with Chrome or FireFox browsers  to utilize all features correctly for both students and instructors.

Using VoiceThread with other browsers will prevent your ability to use key features including commenting.

All Users Start Here:

• View Getting Around in a VoiceThread for a description of each icon and button as well as keyboard shortcuts for using VoiceThread.

• Check out the VoiceThread Digital Library for examples and ideas of how you can use VoiceThread in your class.

• Read Instructions on Viewing VoiceThreads and Comments. 

Creating VoiceThreads:

• View Instructions for Creating a Home Link in Blackboard or Moodle. This will link your course to VoiceThread and allow you to create new VoiceThreads.

• See step-by-step Instructions for Creating a VoiceThread from the VoiceThread Home page.

• View Instructions for Creating an Ungraded VoiceThread Link in Blackboard or Moodle. 

• View Instructions for Creating a Graded Assignment Link in Blackboard or Moodle.

• Learn about Grading VoiceThread Assignments.

VoiceThread Settings

• Learn how to Update the General Settings for a VoiceThread.
• Enable the Comment Moderation Setting on a VoiceThread to prevent students from seeing each others' comments.
• Allow your students to Add Slides or Media to an Existing VoiceThread.

Accessibility in VoiceThread:

• VoiceThread has a separate screen-reader accessible version called VoiceThread Universal, which can be used by students.

• VoiceThread can support Closed Captions for Voice and Video Comments.

• VoiceThread has several other Features Designed for Accessibility, one designed to be low-bandwidth for students with inconsistent internet connections. Another is phone commenting, for students without access to a microphone.

Documentation for Students:

• Instructions on Submitting VoiceThread Assignments. 

• Tips for Troubleshooting Student Technical Issues.