This guide provides context and support for using VoiceThread for student Oral/Video Presentations. VoiceThread is available via Blackboard (MySCU) and integrated with the Grade Centre. VoiceThread assignments provide a one-stop location for students to develop and submit their presentations, where markers can quickly view and grade each presentation providing feedback using VoiceThread's commenting features. 

This document will guide you on the following: 

Before you begin

Consider the features of VoiceThread that students will be encouraged to use in their presentations. For example:

• VoiceThread presentations can be created one slide at a time, which means that students can create their presentations and then add narration later.
• Students could upload video files they have made with other programs into VoiceThread (such as Zoom). 
• Students could augment their presentations with commentary, multiple media types and ‘doodling’ (marking up slides with a digital pen tool).
  

Setting up VoiceThread assignments 

1. Create a VoiceThread link within your Bb learning site click on Build Content > Add VoiceThread.
   
   
   
2. Under the GRADING section ensure that Enable evaluation is ticked and that Points possible is set. You are also encouraged to set a Due Date.
   
   
   
3. Click Submit to save and create the VoiceThread link.
4. Click the VoiceThread link and select Assignment Builder.
   
   
   
5. There are 3 types of VoiceThread Assignments to choose from; Create, Comment, and Watch. For the purposes of student presentations choose the "Create" type and then click continue.
   
   
   

6. Set the options for the VoiceThread Assignment. Click Continue when you are happy with the settings.
   

   Check permissions

   Make sure to carefully check the Permissions and Student Gallery options. These options allow students to make copies and download their VoiceThread, and access other students work. 
   

   
   

7. Check that Assessment is set to Percentage (calculated out of 100).
   
   
   
8. Click on Publish to complete the Assignment.

The video below covers the Voicethread assignment building process.

Marking a VoiceThread Assignment 

When marking a VoiceThread Assignment the process is; 

1. Open the VoiceThread Assignments LTI link from BlackBoard. 
2. Click on the student's name from the UNGRADED column, and watch the VoiceThread Assignment. 
   
   
   
3. Provide any feedback as Voicethread comments in the VoiceThread (detailed below in providing in-context feedback to students).
4. Determine the student's numerical grade using your marking strategy (such as a separate rubric in Word or Excel).
5. Enter the numerical grade and click SAVE GRADE, which will update the associated column in the Blackboard Grade Centre. This submission will now be listed in the GRADED column.
   

This video goes through the process of grading an assignment within VoiceThread in more detail:

Providing in-context feedback to students

A key strength of VoiceThread is the ability for others to post asynchronous comments and questions, facilitating collaboration and targeted feedback within the context of a student presentation. Instructors can provide text/video/audio feedback while reviewing the student presentation. The student then receives these comments regarding their performance in-context as they playback their presentation. 

You are able to use the VoiceThread commenting tool to add targeted feedback to students throughout their assignment. Ensure that you inform students how they can access any feedback you provide. Because VoiceThread comments can only be text, audio or video you are unable to upload other file types (.docx or .jpg) directly into a VoiceThread as a comment.