Where do I start? | Create and Share a VoiceThread | Grading a VoiceThread | Data Retention Policy | Need Help?
VoiceThread is an interactive platform that allows students and faculty to share and discuss media (e.g. images, videos, PDFs, and more) using text, audio, and video comments.
VoiceThread has many possible uses for both in-person and online classes. Since both faculty and students can create VoiceThreads, it serves as a versatile tool for assignments and engagement.
With VoiceThread, users can
To get started with VoiceThread, first determine:
VoiceThread is a cloud application, so there is no software to install. The only system requirement is an up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. VoiceThread will run in your web browser and on almost any internet connection. See the Web Application help articles for more information.
To access VoiceThread from inside Blackboard, follow these steps:
Non-Graded Links
Graded Links (If Evaluation is Enabled)
If grading is enabled, you must set the points possible, which will be linked to the gradebook.
Once the assignment type is selected, you can build your VoiceThread using audio, video, and shared documents from your computer.
To access VoiceThread from Outside Blackboard:
With the VoiceThread Mobile app, your content is available on iOS and Android devices. Simply download the app and sign in to:
See the Mobile App help articles for more information.
The first step in using VoiceThread in your course is to add a link within a module, content area, or page, ensuring students can easily access it. For more information, visit UND's Blackboard VoiceThread for Faculty article.
As the instructor, you can choose the best approach for your students. With VoiceThread, you have the option to assign both graded and non-graded activities.
Design VoiceThread assignments that encourage peer engagement without the pressure of grades.
| Course View |
Displays all VoiceThreads shared with your course. Any content not explicitly shared will not appear. This option is ideal for peer interaction and exam preparation. Students can view and comment on each other's work. Additionally, they can review all course materials in one place. |
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| Individual VT |
Ideal for creating a discussion board or lecture focused on a single VoiceThread. Individual VT directs students straight to the specific presentation you want them to view. To set it up, select the VoiceThread from the left-side menu and click Share with Class—this will be the only VoiceThread visible to students. |
| VT Home |
Displays all of a student’s VoiceThread content in a single view. This includes VoiceThreads for all of a student’s courses that belong to them. This option is useful if you want to create a simple portal into VoiceThread without directing students to any specific content. |
Use graded VoiceThread activities to assess student understanding, gather feedback, and enhance engagement.
For more information, visit the Blackboard VoiceThread for Students and/or Blackboard VoiceThread for Faculty help articles.
| Create a VoiceThread |
Students must create a new VoiceThread to earn credit. You’ll be prompted to enter an assignment description. |
|---|---|
| Submit a Comment |
Students must submit a comment on a selected VoiceThread to earn credit. You’ll be prompted to choose an existing VoiceThread. |
| Watch a VoiceThread |
Students must watch a VoiceThread to earn credit. Comments are disabled, making this ideal for narrated presentations. You’ll be prompted to select or create a VoiceThread. |
Creating a VoiceThread is a dynamic way to engage with students and share interactive content. For additional guidance, refer to the resources below.
There are several types of media that can be added to your VoiceThread including files from your computer, media from other VoiceThreads, and media from other websites and servers. You can also use your webcam to create a slide and your microphone to create audio slides.
See the Creating help article for more information.
Recording a comment on a VoiceThread is quick and easy. Just navigate to the slide on which you want to record a comment, and then tap the comment button at the bottom of the VoiceThread.
See the Commenting help articles for more information.
For graded assignments, you will need to review student submissions, record comments to provide feedback, and assign a grade. These steps ensure meaningful engagement and assessment of student work. For detailed instructions on how to complete these tasks, check out the Blackboard VoiceThread for Faculty help article.
To grade your students’ submissions, just return to the assignment you have set up. You will see the grading interface automatically.
On the right side of the page, you will see your course roster. If a student is missing from the roster, it means that student has not clicked into your assignment yet; they will appear as soon as they do. Students can fall into three categories:
See the Grade Student Submissions help article for more information.
Recording a comment on a VoiceThread is quick and easy. Just navigate to the slide on which you want to record a comment, and then tap the comment button at the bottom of the VoiceThread.
See the Recording a Comment help article for more information.
To grade your students’ submissions, just return to the assignment you have set up already. You will see the grading interface automatically.
Note: Grade by percentage or pass/fail. (Point grading coming soon!)
See the Grading Assignments help article and video for more information.
VoiceThread has implemented data clean-up policies. These policies apply to users under the UND license.
The Teaching Transformation & Development Academy (TTaDA) works closely with Student Disability Resources and University Information Technology (UIT) to provide assistive technologies for UND.
TTaDA offers a variety of professional development workshops and events for faculty and staff focused around four competency areas: Personal & Professional Development, Policy & Procedure, Software & Technology and Teaching & Learning. Check out the Upcoming Sessions for available session dates and times. You can also attend a VoiceThread workshop or watch a recording of a previous workshop offered by VoiceThread.
We also offer workshops and specialized training to departments on a variety of topics. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a session.
A team of Instructional Designers are available to provide assistance to instructors, administrators and staff. Whether you need to develop a full course or program, review and revise an existing course, or flip all or part of your course, Instructional Designers are here to help. We provide instructional design assistance for fully online, flipped, hybrid, blended and traditional face-to-face courses. If instructors have any questions or concerns about a course, we are available in person, over the phone, by email, or through web-conferencing tools.
UND Tech Support provides support to students, faculty and staff to provide technology tools for success in and outside of the classroom.