Faculty Guide - Creating Your First Discussion Boards

Creating a discussion board with VoiceThread is a great way to facilitate asynchronous, multimedia discussions. Below is a step-by-step guide for faculty on how to set up a VoiceThread discussion board:

Step 1: Accessing VoiceThread via Canvas

  1. Log into Canvas.
  2. Access course for which you intend to include VoiceThread assignment.
  3. Click on the “Assignments” tab on the left column of the screen.
  4. Click on “+ Assignment” in yellow box on top right of screen.
  5. Set up assignment parameters (due date, instructions etc.)
  6. Under “Submission Type” select “Find.” Scroll down and click on “VoiceThread.”
  7. Click on “Assignment Builder”
  8. Select “Comment” and then “Continue” at the bottom of pop-window. Canvas will log you into VoiceThread automatically.  

Step 2: Create a New VoiceThread

  1. Click on the “Create New VoiceThread” on homepage (if you have a previously created VoiceThread you would like to use, you will be able to choose that option here).
  2. Under the “Let’s Get Started” tab, you can add different types of media, such as video, images, documents, or slides. To create a discussion board, you will likely want to upload a video or a presentation to start the conversation.
    • If you are creating a discussion prompt, you can record a brief video or upload slides with questions or topics you want students to discuss.
    • To record a video:
      1. Select “Record Video Slide”
      2. Click on red dot at bottom of screen. A countdown will begin.
      3. Record video; click on red dot when finished.
      4. Save video

Step 3: Set Discussion Parameters

  1. Click three dots on lower left corner of thumbnail.
  2. Click on pencil icon.
  3. Add a Title and Description: Give your VoiceThread a title, such as “Discussion on [Topic].” You can also add a description or instructions on how students should engage with the discussion. This could include:
    • Instructions for Commenting: “Please reply to the following questions.”
    • Engagement Guidelines: “Make sure to provide at least 2 comments: one to the prompt and one response to a peer’s comment.
    • Click on “Save” when finished.
  4. Click on “Continue.” Watch playback and click “Continue” once more.
  5. Choose settings “Participation Requirements,” the “Types of Comments Allowed,” “Playback,” and “Permissions” and press “Continue”
  6. Fill out “Assignment Name,” “Assignment Instructions,” “Due Date” and any other information desired. Click “Save” when finished.
  7. You will be redirected to Canvas where you will see your VoiceThread uploaded in the assignment. Click “Save” or “Save and Publish.”

Tips for Faculty:

  • Clear Instructions: Make sure the instructions for participation are clear and concise. Let students know what format you expect for responses (e.g., video, audio, or text).
  • Be Present: Regularly interact with the posts to keep the conversation lively and demonstrate your engagement.
  • Time Management: Set a deadline for the discussion board to ensure timely responses from students.

By following these steps, you can create an interactive and engaging VoiceThread discussion board that leverages multimedia for deeper student interaction.

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