Getting Started with VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a cloud-based collaboration platform that allows users to create, share, and comment on multimedia slideshows. It's a versatile tool that supports a wide range of media types, including images, videos, documents, and presentations. Users can leave comments on each slide in various formats—text, audio, or video—making it an interactive experience. This functionality makes VoiceThread particularly popular in educational settings, where instructors and students can engage in discussions and provide feedback in a dynamic way.

For ease of use, VoiceThread Assignments should be created in a Canvas assignment page using a submission type of External Tool. Below are some questions to help you decide which type of VoiceThread should be used, Course View or Assignment View. Most of the time a Course View will be the simplest, best option. When in doubt, reach out to AAPCourseManagement@jhu.edu for assistance.

When to Use Course View (Simplest Option)

• Student Introductions.
• Group assignment.
• Staggered weekly student submissions with the remaining students commenting. Example: One student submits each week, and the other students comment. 
• Individual assignments where other students comment.
• Pecha Kucha VoiceThread – Students set up the Pecha Kucha.
• Grading with a rubric. 

When to Use Assignment View

• Gradebook passback to Canvas and NOT using a rubric. You are able to post a private comment for the student in VoiceThread.
• Pecha Kucha VoiceThread – Instructor sets up the Pecha Kucha.
• An assignment where only you and the student will be engaging with no comments from other students. (might consider recommending Panopto as an alternative)

NOTE: A VoiceThread template assignment page with the VoiceThread Instructions for students was placed in your course. You may edit the VoiceThread assignment, give it a new Assignment Name and start at Step 4 in either set of instructions.

If you no longer have access to the VoiceThread Assignment Template page you can find it in the Commons located on the Global Navigation Menu.

Note: If you're having trouble getting your account set up or for other technical support, you can review solutions on VoiceThread Known Issues – IT@JH University Information Systems or contact aaptechnicalsupport@Jhu.edu

Getting Started in VoiceThread

• Instructors Guide – VoiceThread
• How to Create a VoiceThread

VoiceThread Activities & Assignments

• Setting Up Course View
  
• Setting Up Assignment View in Canvas
• Setting Up a Pecha Kucha Assignment