Log Into VoiceThread (Duke NetID Required)

The VoiceThread tool for Canvas allows for text, audio and video commenting on uploaded multimedia. You can use VoiceThread to create a discussion that is linked to a multimedia item such as a PowerPoint, short video or song. Students can comment on the item and talk to each other by voice, video or text. Students can create their own VoiceThreads as well. 

Click the image below to watch a tutorial on using VoiceThread at Duke:

This page covers:

Incorporating VoiceThread into your Canvas Course

There are a number of ways to use the VoiceThread tool in Canvas. 

  1. It can be added as a Module item to allow students to easily upload, view, and comment on all VoiceThreads.

A single VoiceThread can be added as a Module item if an instructor wants to direct students to a specific VoiceThread for commenting. 

  1. It can be added as an Assignment so that students can view, comment on, or submit a VoiceThread to the instructor and the grade will go directly to Canvas Grades.
  2. VoiceThread can be added to any tool that has a Rich Content Editor. For example, it could be embedded in a Discussion board or a Page.

Below are instructions for these three options and rationales for why you should choose one over another. Note that we suggest you and your students open the interface to a full size tab for ease of use. 

Adding VoiceThread in a Module

Use Cases: Introductions and Course Content

Introductions

You would like students to create their own VoiceThread and comment on their classmates’ threads as well. For example, you want them to create introduction videos or create a presentation that all students can see. 

  • Pro: it is the most direct way for students to see all VoiceThreads for the course. 
  • Con: it is not automatically attached to Grades.

Course Content

If specific VoiceThreads are part of your course content, you can add VoiceThreads so that students can easily access the ones relevant to that week or day from a central space along with the other items in the Module.

Instructions

  1. In the module in which you want the VoiceThread content to appear, use the + symbol to add a new item to the module.
  1. In the pull-down menu select External Tool. Then scroll down to find VoiceThread and click on the name.
  1. You should then be logged into VoiceThread. On the next screen, choose either to display:
  • an Individual VoiceThread: allow students to comment on a specific VoiceThread you’ve made; or 
  • the Course View: display all the VoiceThreads shared with this course, where you can ask students to record their own VoiceThreads or see the whole list for commenting. 

If you choose an individual VoiceThread, it will then lead you through the process of selecting an existing VoiceThread or creating a new one to share with the course (steps not pictured here). 

  1. Give it an activity title that makes sense for the task, such as “Video Introductions”, “Week 1 slides”, or simply “VoiceThread Assignments”.

  1. When directed back to the original screen, click Add Item at the bottom of the window to finish.

Now There should be a clickable item in that Module, which connects to the VoiceThread library for your course only. Students can leave comments or add their own VoiceThread by clicking on +Add Your Own in the top right corner.

Adding VoiceThread in Assignments

Use Cases: Graded Assignments and Mandatory Viewing

Graded Assignments

Students are asked to submit an original VoiceThread as an individual or group assignment, or directed to comment on an existing VoiceThread as an assignment. The primary audience is often the instructor and/or you want the ability to leave feedback and a grade.

Mandatory Viewing

Instructors wish to have students watch the entire VoiceThread to receive credit on an assignment.

Instructions

  1. In the Assignments tool, choose + Assignment at the top right.
  1. Use the drop down menu under Submission Type to scroll to the External Tool option. Next to the search box below, click Find to search for the VoiceThread tool.
  1. Click on the title and choose Select to continue.
  1. You now have the following options:
  • Assignment Builder: create a graded assignment, which asks students to build their own or comment on one VoiceThread;
  • Individual VoiceThread: display a single VoiceThread, if you want students to comment on a specific VoiceThread you’ve made;
  • Course View: show the entire library for the course, if you want students to comment on many VoiceThreads; or 
  • VT Home Page: direct students to their entire VT home page, so that they can find or create a VoiceThread not specifically attached to the course library.
  1. Within the Assignment Builder, students can be asked to create, comment or watch a VoiceThread. There is also a “Reconnect Previous Assignment” option, which allows you to skip ahead to find an existing assignment.
  1. Depending on which option you choose, there are a range of settings you can fine tune to suit your assignment. We suggest reviewing these in the VoiceThread documentation: Create a VoiceThread, Comment on a VoiceThread, Watch a VoiceThread

Adding a VoiceThread Using the Rich Content Editor (RCE)

Use Cases: Creating and Inserting a VoiceThread directly into a Discussion, Page, Announcement, etc.

Creating a VoiceThread directly into a Discussion, Page, Announcement, etc.

All users in the site are able to use the VoiceThread option in the RCE to record and embed a VoiceThread into many tools in a Canvas site.

Inserting an existing VoiceThread into a Discussion, Page, Announcement, etc.

Instructors may want to link VoiceThread content directly into a Canvas tool instead of having a separate link.

Note: If you are interested in adding existing media or recording content directly into the editor box and do not need commenting, we suggest using the add Media Content or Warpwire options in the toolbar, which embeds the content inline instead of creating a hyperlink.

Instructions

  1. In the RCE toolbar, click the Apps button with a plug icon. Select ViceThread.

If you cannot see the VoiceThread option right away, click View All and select VoiceThread.

  1. In the pop-up window, proceed to configure VoiceThread by following the same steps as outlined in the “Adding VoiceThread in a Module” instructions.

Get Help

If you would like to register for upcoming VoiceThread workshops or view their archives, check out VoiceThread Workshops. A variety of tutorials can be found on the VoiceThread YouTube channel.

VoiceThread Resources

I Am Having Trouble Using VoiceThread and Need More Help

We’ll connect you with a LILE consultant to help troubleshoot your issue.

Request help from LILE