Test drive interactive tools for online discussions
If you want to move beyond the traditional text-based discussion board, DoIT is looking for faculty volunteers to pilot VoiceThread (VT), a cloud-based application that takes an audio/visual approach to online discussions. Among other things, VT users can upload media such as images, video, and documents into a central screen or “deck” for asynchronous group conversation. VoiceThreads can contain over 50 different types of media and presenters can use one of five powerful narration and feedback options: microphone, webcam, text, phone, and audio-file upload. After sharing the initial presentation deck, others can contribute to the conversation. VT includes Blackboard integration for ease of collaboration and engagement experiences.
What can I do with VoiceThread?
- Demonstrate procedures to help students prepare for a practical exam
- Explain decisions when selecting subjects for a painting’s composition
- Flip a classroom experience to support multiple learning styles
- Foster greater community in large, lecture-based classes
- Interpret linear composition of a painting or note other elements
- Debate the pros and cons of a controversial issue
- Practice foreign language skills during role-play
- Report on field experiences to a national park
- Critique a classmate’s composition
- Describe a story about a trip abroad
- Moderate questions in a topical sequence
DoIT is sponsoring a limited number of pro accounts for the pilot so faculty can evaluate the effectiveness of VoiceThread for engagement and discussions. We will host a kickoff and introductory session on Wednesday, December 2, 1015 at 2 PM in ENGR 023. Light refreshments will be served.
If you would like to join this pilot, please open an RT ticket with VoiceThread Pilot in the subject line. Include the following information:
- Name
- Course information (CourseID, name, section) and expected number of students
- Describe how you will use VoiceThread in your course to support student engagement and assessment. How will VoiceThread help solve a problem you are experiencing with discussions as you currently use them?
- Identify your training preference (online, in person) or if you prefer to view recordings or FAQs
- The pilot is scheduled to take place from January 18 - May 31, 2016.
- Our pilot license supports a maximum of 450 students. Therefore, the number of participating courses depends on the number of students enrolled.
- Faculty who participate in the pilot will receive one pro VoiceThread account linked to a Blackboard user account and course site.
- Faculty participants will need to provide feedback to DoIT and the UMBC campus community about their experiences.
- Feedback may be provided via survey response, panel discussion, focus group, interview, etc.
- VoiceThread system analytics will be reviewed monthly to measure the frequency of use
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Posted: October 30, 2015, 2:31 PM
