VoiceThread is a convinient tool that can be accessed through Moodle. VoiceThread enables students and professors to post audio and video recordings, pictures, and documents online. The feature also gives the option to comment on each other's work which makes peer review very easy and interesting. VoiceThread is easy to work with and this blog will deepen your knowledge of this tool.
It is important to mention that a VoiceThread account will be automatically created for you with your first visit of the tool. However, if you would like to set up a group on VoiceThread (the equivalent of a course), you will have to contact the Manager of Blume Center at blume-center@trincoll.edu
Now, the way we navigate to VoiceThread is by logging-in to the course page in Moodle, and clicking on the VoiceThread link that can be seen towards the bottom in one of the panels on the right-hand side.
When you click on "Jump to VoiceThread!", a new window will open. There you will see your personal account on VoiceThread. You will be automatically logged in, and you will have the options to post materials on VoiceThread. When you go to "Create", you will see that you can upload files. As you can see in the image below, VoiceThread lets you upload images, docs and videos by using a few buttons.
VoiceThread lets you post online a webcam video with the option to include voice. However, VoiceThread does not support voice recording directly from your computer with the opportunity to post the recording afterwards. If you would like to post a voice recording, you will have to first use a voice recording tool, such as Audacity, and then upload the sound file online. Audacity is a software solution that is just as easy to work with. For more information, regarding Audacity, please see the blog post dedicated to it HERE. Once you have your recording done (with Audacity), you can quickly locate the sound file through clicking on "Upload from... My Computer" and get it up on VoiceThread.
VoiceThread lets you upload anything from video projects to quick homework responses. Once you have uploaded the files you need, it is your turn to make them available to the entire class. Remember that by just uploading the files on VoiceThread, you will not automatically make them available to others!
Under the "MyVoice" category, you will find out all of the files that you have ever uploaded. Once you see the files there, you will be able to drag and drop them in the corresponding groups (courses).
In the case presented above, two files have been uploaded. One is a webcam video and the other one is a voice recording. Also, in the image you can see that there is only one group that the user has been registered for - STA 101. However, if there are more than one groups available, you will be able to post materials to any of them. The way you make materials available for everybody in the group (class), is just by dragging and dropping a file onto the group name. For example, if you would like to make the "test video" available to everybody in STA 101, all you will have to do is drag the video and drop it on STA 101.
VoiceThread is an easy and fast way to share files, homework, term assignments, research or any interesting findings. It is a fun way for everyone in the classroom to stay engaged while still working on skills development. For questions regarding VoiceThread, please feel free to contact the STA office.
