10 Tips For Using VoiceThread For Learning

10 Tips For Using VoiceThread For Learning

What is VoiceThread?

VoiceThread is a digital conversational platform that uses video, audio, or chat, to create threaded conversations between students or between teachers and students.

10 Tips For Using VoiceThread For Learning

1. Let students lead.

Have a learning objective in mind, then listen to them in a brainstorming session (likely after they’ve had a chance to use the tool) to see where you can find common ground between those learning objectives and their creative ideas.

2. Use it for discussion, review, reflection, or debate.

Consider reading response questions as prompts, for starters.

3. Try to avoid using the app.

Full of bugs, crashes, and missing features, it’s simply not very good.

4. Use it with the strengths of asynchronous learning in mind.

Read more about the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning.

5. Consider the integrations.

From their website, “Integrating VoiceThread into your Learning Management System (LMS) is the key to user happiness. VoiceThread works well within a broad range of systems, but the most powerful option is the standard developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium called Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI). LTI allows VoiceThread to integrate into most major Learning Management Systems, including but not limited to Blackboard, Sakai, Canvas, Desire2Learn, BrainHoney and Moodle.”

6. Consider VoiceThread as media-based conversation.

These media files can be video files, audio, images, PDFs, and more and each thread can be mixed between media forms. 

7. Share with the class, to closed groups, or the public at large.

Obviously, you can share your VoiceThread securely with your class Group. You can also share thread content through a link or simply publish it to make it public (though obviously, use this with discretion).

8. Create a custom homepage.

The custom homepage provides a dedicated, customizable frontpage for their classroom and students’ VoiceThread assignments and related work.

9. As always, consider student privacy when using VoiceThread (or any digital or social media tool).

10. Use the analytics.

The tool also has available analytics that, while basic, could help see engagement, grade, and more.

VoiceThread FAQ For Teachers

How can I create a new VoiceThread?

You can begin creating a new VoiceThread from any VoiceThread page by clicking on the ‘Create’ button at the top. If you are accessing VoiceThread through your Learning Management System, you can also create a VoiceThread by clicking the blue “Create” button in a graded assignment or clicking the ‘Create’ button in the bottom-right corner of the Course View. (Source: voicethread.com)

What is the Activity Feed?

The Activity Feed is the place to find information about new comments on your VoiceThreads.  All recent comments will be listed in order, and you can click on any one comment to open it.  This is a great way to keep track of activity on your VoiceThreads over the past two weeks. Every VoiceThread member has his or her own Activity Feed, located on the VoiceThread Home page. (Source: voicethread.com)

How can you export voiceThread assignments?

Exporting a VoiceThread allows you save a video version of that VoiceThread offline for archival purposes. The video file includes all media, comments, and annotations that exist on the live version of the VoiceThread. You need export credits in order to export a VoiceThread. Read more.

Note: Once you export a VoiceThread, you must download it within 90 days. After this period, the export will expire, and you would need to re-export the VoiceThread to obtain another copy. Moderated (hidden) comments are not included in an export. (Source: voicethread.com)

What is Course View assignment type?

Note: The Course View assignment type will display the collection of VoiceThreads that have been shared with your course.

What do students share VoiceThread with other students?

Students should check the ‘share with class’ checkbox before submitting their VoiceThread assignment.

What is the assignment type?

The Course View assignment type is a good option when you want students to find and comment on each other’s work or if you want to allow students to review all course materials prior to an exam.

How do I calculate grades for VT graded assignments?

Grades for VoiceThread graded assignments have to be entered on a percentage scale of 0-100.

How do I calculate the grade?

In order for the grade to calculate correctly, in the Grade on a percentage scale box for the student you have to enter “80” (4 / 5 = .80 X 100 = 80).

What are the benefits of using VoiceThread in the classroom?

By making voice or video a requirement, it helps to better engage students so they feel a part of the subject.

What are the challenges of using VoiceThread?

The requirement to give their opinion on video or in voice format, which is recorded potentially for the class to see, could be intimidating for students.

How should I get started using VoiceThread?

Try starting off with a low-risk icebreaker or a topic students have sufficient knowledge of so they can focus on the logistics of using VoiceThread rather than both learning new content and a new platform at the same time.

See also Where Is The Google Classroom Login?

How do I create a group?

Create a Group in settings, which is for paying users only, then paste the ‘invitation link’ inside your virtual class, be it on Google Classroom or wherever, so when your students click they immediately register for VoiceThread and join the group all at once.

How do I use Voice?

When you have your media curated, you simply add your own comments in voice (using your computer’s microphone), video (using your computer’s webcam), or text (using the keyboard on your computer).

How do I know if Voicecloud is right for me?

Understand the limitations of a free account, which allows you to experiment with VoiceThread.

What is the best way to ensure that students are safe?

Keep in mind that students will be nervous so be supportive and leave friendly feedback for all of them.

How do I create a group?

After you create a group, simply paste the ‘invitation link’ inside your class and when your students click on it, two things will happen: they will register for VoiceThread and they will join your group.

What’s a simple way for teachers to get started with VoiceThread?

With VoiceThread, you can easily record an introduction via your webcam and share it with students or parents and get to know each other without having to schedule meetings.

How do I submit a Voice assignment?

If you’ve already created the VoiceThread you wish to submit, select it from the list on the left, and then click ‘Submit Assignment’ on the right.

How do I pull up my assignment?

If you need to pull it up manually, tap on the menu icon in the top-right corner, and select ‘Assignment Details’ from the menu that appears at the bottom of your screen.