New VoiceThread Assignments are Coming to Blackboard and Moodle

Instructors,

New VoiceThread Assignments are coming to Blackboard and Moodle on May 14, 2021. If you are a VoiceThread user and are prompted by VoiceThread to try new assignments before this time, please decline.

What you need to know

• VoiceThread will be introducing new features for their graded assignment types (comment, view, create). 
• The workflow for creating any VoiceThread will change. VoiceThread users should create a link to VoiceThread Home, hidden from students, in their Moodle or Blackboard course. All VoiceThreads should be created in VoiceThread Home. Individual links to VoiceThreads can then be added to the Moodle or Blackboard course. 
• The workflow for students commenting on each other’s shared VoiceThreads will now use separate VoiceThread Galleries for each assignment, rather than a shared course view.
• Your older assignments will continue to work seamlessly, so you don't need to rebuild any VT links you have already connected for your Summer course.

What you need to do

If you are a VoiceThread user:

• View instructions for creating a link to VoiceThread Home and creating VoiceThreads within this space. 
• Learn about new assignments features (please remember to create your VoiceThreads in VoiceThread Home): https://vimeo.com/439429815 
• Register for a free VoiceThread workshop: https://voicethread.com/workshops/new-assignment-features-workshop-5/ 
• Update any links to VoiceThread instructions that you have shared with students in your course.
• If you have questions reach out to IDEAS staff at instruct@umass.edu.

When you need to do it by

• VoiceThread new assignments will be enabled on May 14, 2021.

For questions, please contact the IDEAS staff at instruct@umass.edu.