VoiceThread D2L Quick Guide for Students Student Quick Guide

VoiceThread is an online multimedia slideshow tool designed to encourage collaboration. Integrated into D2L Brightspace, you may participate in the conversation via webcam, microphone, or typed text. There are three types of VoiceThread assignments that can be submitted via D2L. Follow the steps below to learn how to submit each assignment type.

Browser Requirements for HTML5 Compatibility VoiceThread is supported in the following browsers: • Google Chrome • Mozilla Firefox

VoiceThreads can be opened and viewed, but audio and video cannot be recorded in the following browsers: • Safari • Microsoft Edge

Note: Internet Explorer does not support HTML5 and therefore cannot be used with VoiceThread.

For the best possible experience, your web browser should be fully up to date, but at minimum no more than two versions behind.

Submitting a Create Assignment Follow the steps below to submit a Create-a-VoiceThread Assignment in D2L Brightspace: 1. Log in to D2L Brightspace and navigate to your course. 2. Click on the VoiceThread assignment link set up by your instructor. 3. Notice the information on the Assignment screen and then click the yellow Start Assignment button on the right to begin (see Figure 1). a. Information (top) – The section explains what your instructor wants you to do. b. Checklist – a list of the requirements your instructor has set. These will be checked off as you complete them. You will be unable to submit until the checklist is complete. c. Start Assignment – after reading assignment information, click the yellow button to begin. d. Assignment Information – the due date (if one has been set), how the assignment is being graded (percentage or pass/fail), and your submission status.

Figure 1: New Assignment Screen

4. Work through the tabbed workflow – you may need to scroll to see all options. Step 1 is Add media. You may create a new VoiceThread or use one that you have previously created: a. To start building a new VoiceThread, click on the source from which you would like to upload or import media, and wait for that media to process. b. If you have already created the VoiceThread you want to use, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Use an existing VoiceThread instead of creating a new one. This will take you to a page where you can see all your VoiceThreads, and you can click on one to use it. Click Continue at the bottom of the screen to go to the editing area in case you need to add more slides.

Figure 2: Create a new VoiceThread or Choose from existing

Note: If uploading a slide presentation such as PowerPoint, animations will not transfer to VoiceThread. Uploading a PDF version of the presentation is recommended.

5. Once you have added, chosen, and/or edited content, name your VoiceThread by clicking the pencil icon and then click Continue at the bottom of the screen to reach the comment tab. 6. Add comments to your VoiceThread. a. Open and comment - Click the tab to open and access commenting features b. Comment menu – Use text, audio, video, or upload comments according to what your instructor requires • When you finish the comment, click Stop Recording. Review the comment and click Cancel or Save. c. Doodling – While commenting, you may use a pencil to doodle over your media d. Checklist progress – Note that required tasks are checked off as you complete them e. Submit button – You may submit your assignment when all requirements are met and checked off

Figure 3: Comment Screen

7. When you have finished adding the required media elements and comments, click Submit.

Figure 4: Submit Assignment

8. Once you have clicked Submit, you will see several options on the confirmation screen: a. Withdraw Submission Button – After you have submitted, you may have an opportunity to resubmit if your instructor allows it. If you do not see this option and need to resubmit, reach out to your instructor to ask if they will reset it for you. b. Student Gallery – If your instructor has set the assignment to include a Student Gallery, you may click on the button to view other VoiceThreads in your course. c. Submission Date – You will see the date and time you submitted your VoiceThread Assignment.

Figure 5: Confirmation Screen Submitting a Comment Assignment Follow the steps below to submit a Comment VoiceThread Assignment in D2L Brightspace. 1. Log in to D2L Brightspace and navigate to your course. 2. Click on the VoiceThread assignment link set up by your instructor. 3. Notice the information on the Assignment screen and then click the yellow Start Assignment button on the right to begin (See Figure 1). a. Information (top) – Instructions for the assignment. b. Checklist – A list of the requirements your instructor has set. These will be checked off as you complete them. You will be unable to submit until the checklist is complete. c. Start Assignment – After reading assignment information, click the yellow button to begin. d. Assignment Information – The due date (if one has been set), how the assignment is being graded (percentage or pass/fail), and your submission status.

Figure 6: Comment Assignment Start Screen

4. Follow your instructor’s instructions in the Information section regarding what type and how many comments to leave on the VoiceThread. a. Checklist – Tasks will be checked off as you complete them b. Submit button – Button will become clickable when you have completed all requirements in the checklist c. Comments – Use text, audio, video, or upload comments according to what your instructor requires Note: When you finish the comment, click Stop Recording. Review the comment and click Cancel or Save d. Doodling – While commenting, you may use a pencil to doodle over your media

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Figure 7: Comment Assignment

5. Once assigned tasks are complete, click the Submit button.

Figure 8: Submit a Comment Assignment

6. Once you have clicked Submit, you will see some options on the confirmation screen: a. Withdraw Submission Button – After you have submitted, you may have an opportunity to resubmit if your instructor allows it. If you do not see this option and need to resubmit, reach out to your instructor to ask if they will reset it for you. b. Submission Date – You will see the date and time you submitted your VoiceThread Assignment.

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Figure 9: Comment Assignment Confirmation Submitting a Watch Assignment Follow the steps below to submit a Watch VoiceThread Assignment in D2L Brightspace. 1. Log in to D2L Brightspace and navigate to your course. 2. Click on the VoiceThread assignment link set up by your instructor. 3. Notice the information on the Assignment screen and then click the yellow “Start Assignment” button on the right to begin (see Figure 1). a. Information (top) – Instructions for the assignment b. Checklist – A list of the requirements your instructor has set. These will be checked off as you complete them. You will be unable to submit until the checklist is complete. c. Start Assignment – After reading assignment information, click the yellow button to begin. d. Assignment Information – The due date (if one has been set), how the assignment is being graded (percentage or pass/fail), and your submission status.

Figure 10: Watch Assignment Start Screen Page 7 of 8 4. Once you have watched the entire VoiceThread and all comments, the yellow Submit button will become clickable. You will not be able to submit until you have consumed all content.

Figure 11: Watch Assignment Submit Button

5. Once you have clicked the Submit button, you will see confirmation that your assignment is submitted.

Figure 12: Watch Assignment Confirmation

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