VoiceThread

VoiceThread allows instructors and students to upload and share presentations, documents, images, videos, and other media, then interact through text, audio, or video comments.

Getting Started

Access VoiceThread through Blackboard using your NDUS credentials. No separate VoiceThread account is required; your account is created automatically the first time you launch VoiceThread from Blackboard. Open the VoiceThread link within your Blackboard course to create, view, or participate in activities.

Best Practices

• Introduce VoiceThread with a low-stakes activity before graded assignments.
• Provide clear instructions, expectations, and grading criteria.
• Establish guidelines for respectful and meaningful discussions.
• Encourage students to engage using text, audio, or video responses.
• Share examples of effective posts and replies.
• Set due dates for initial posts and follow-up responses to encourage participation.

Learn More/How To's

• Adding a VoiceThread to your Course - adding it to Blackboard Ultra.
• Commenting on a VoiceThread - how to add, edit, and delete comments.
• Creating a new VoiceThread - creating a new thread, adding media, etc. 
• Creating Groups in VoiceThread - creating, adding, and sharing group threads.
• Editing a VoiceThread - changing the order of slides, replacing and deleting a slide, etc. 
• Sharing your VoiceThread - publishing, sharing links with an individual or group, etc. 
• Viewing a VoiceThread- navigating, finding comments, and subscribing to a thread. 
• VoiceThread settings - how to change thread settings. 
• YouTube VoiceThread Playlist - includes 4 quick videos on how to get started.

Use Cases

• Facilitate asynchronous discussions using text, audio, or video comments.
• Create interactive multimedia presentations and lectures.
• Support peer review and collaborative group projects.
• Provide personalized instructor feedback through text, audio, or video.
• Encourage student reflection, presentations, and storytelling.
• Increase engagement with multimedia-based learning activities.

Universal Design/Accessibility

• Use captions and transcripts for audio and video content whenever possible.
• Ensure uploaded documents, images, and presentations meet accessibility standards.
• Provide clear instructions and multiple ways for participants to engage and respond.
• Use descriptive titles and alternative text for visual content when appropriate.
• Follow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles by offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
• Meet with an Instructional Designer for guidance on creating accessible and inclusive VoiceThread activities.

Related resources

• Adding ALT text to a slide - how to add ALT text to a thread.
• Adding Audio descriptions to a slide - how to add audio descriptions. 
• VoiceThread Digital Library- a database of articles about successful VoiceThread projects