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VoiceThread is a cross between Google Slides and a discussion forum. It is a platform that lets you create slides with images or short videos and then have conversations around each slide. You can annotate the slides while commenting on them, as can anyone else--as long as the they have permission from the author to comment. The interactive slide shows created on this platform are called VoiceThreads or VTs. As an instructor, you can create VTs for students. You can also set up VoiceThread assignments and have students create these interactive online slide shows.
Because our VT license authenticates via Moodle, start by adding a VoiceThread activity to your Moodle course shell.
- “Turn Editing on” in the Course Administration block or click on the top left button.
- Click on the plus icon where you want to add a VoiceThread activity.
- Add VoiceThread from the All or Activities tabs. If you do not see it, you can use the search feature.
- You now see a window for your “External Tool” settings. Start by clicking on the Content button.
- You now see four options for your VT activity, illustrated and explained below. Select the option that works best for your needs and fill out the requested information on the following windows. If you are unsure about which activity type or subsequent options to select, look through the instructor information on the VoiceThread website.
- Assignment Builder: This gives you several options for assigning and grading VoiceThreads. The Assignment Builder gives you a way to assess student VoiceThreads or VoiceThread comments, or just confirm that students watched specific a VoiceThread. If desired, you set up the assignment so that students can view each others submissions.
- Individual VT: Share one particular VT with your class for the purpose of instruction or discussion.
- Course View: Show all VoiceThreads shared with your entire class.
- VT Home: Each student sees their own VoiceThreads, as well as any VoiceThread others shared with them. This includes VoiceThread the student is still drafting, as well as VoiceThreads used in other classes or publicly available VoiceThreads.