DoIT is looking for faculty volunteers to pilot VoiceThread (VT), a cloud-based application that takes an audio/visual approach to online discussions and presentations. VT also includes a Blackboard integration to create VoiceThread activities as student assignments.
VoiceThread brings media and people’s audio, video, and text commentary together in one online space to improve instructor immediacy and social presence in courses while maintaining the flexibility of an asynchronous learning environment. According to research, professors report an improvement in the quality of work that students submit and increased engagement with the coursework when they use VoiceThread as hearing student voices and seeing their faces helps with comprehension assessment and building social connections (Lawrence & Hokanson, 2015; Pacansky-Brock, 2010).
Terms of VoiceThread pilot
VoiceThread brings media and people’s audio, video, and text commentary together in one online space to improve instructor immediacy and social presence in courses while maintaining the flexibility of an asynchronous learning environment. According to research, professors report an improvement in the quality of work that students submit and increased engagement with the coursework when they use VoiceThread as hearing student voices and seeing their faces helps with comprehension assessment and building social connections (Lawrence & Hokanson, 2015; Pacansky-Brock, 2010).
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.
- 7 things you should know about VoiceThread from EDUCAUSE (pdf)
- View VoiceThread recorded webinars
- RSVP to attend our kickoff & information session
References
Lawrence, J. & Hokanson, B. (2015). VoiceThread: An online space for project-based learning. Online Learning Consortium International Conference, Orlando, FL.
Pacansky-Brock, M. (2010). VoiceThread: Enhanced community increased social presence & improved visual learning. Sloan-C Effective Practice Award, Online Learning Consortium.
