Setting up a Comment Assignment (Video Discussion Board)

1. Introduction
2. Set up the assignment in Canvas
3. Create the assignment in VoiceThread
4. Grading

1. Introduction

VoiceThread is a multimedia platform that enables instructors to implement asynchronous interactions between students and instructor. This article will walk through how to create a Comment Assignment in which students create comments in response to a prompt.

The Comment Assignment type can be used as a video discussion board. 

2. Set up the assignment in Canvas

• In Canvas, navigate to the course where you intend to include the VoiceThread assignment.
• Create a new assignment: Click on the “Assignments” link in the Course Navigation Menu, then click the gold “+ Assignment” button on top right of screen. Alternatively, you could create the Assignment directly within a Module
• Set up Canvas Assignment parameters (due date, points, instructions etc.).
• In the submission type drop down menu, choose "External Tool" and then click "Find". 

• Scroll through the list of tools.
• Click the blue VoiceThread link. A new VoiceThread window will open in Canvas.

3. Create the assignment in VoiceThread

• Choose Assignment Builder from the VoiceThread pop-up window. 
• In the Assignment Builder menu, choose to create a Comment Assignment and click continue.
• Click Instructor's VoiceThread. 

The next set of choices involves choosing or creating the media to deliver to students. Instructors can choose to use a pre-existing VoiceThread (which can be a video or a slide presentation) or create a new VoiceThread.

• Choose a pre-existing VoiceThread or create a new VoiceThread.
• Edit and review the VoiceThread. 
• Click continue.
• Enter the participation and playback requirements for your assignment such as the number of comments or slides students should contribute, the allowed media formats, playback preferences and permissions. 
• Add assignment metadata, including assignment name, assignment instruction and assessment information.
• Choose "Don't use a rubric" and ensure the assignment name and grade type (percentage, points, complete/incomplete) match the settings in Canvas.

• Publish the assignment in VoiceThread.
• The VoiceThread activity pop-up will close. In Canvas, click the yellow select button.
• When ready, publish the assignment in Canvas.

4. Grading

When you build an assignment in VoiceThread, grading information is required. You won't be able to publish the assignment without entering the type of grade and, if using points, the number of points. Make sure your values match your Canvas assignment.

After you publish the assignment, you have two options for grading: VoiceThread or Canvas. If you enter a grade in VoiceThread, that will be passed back to Canvas. If you prefer to grade in Canvas, you do not have to grade in VoiceThread, even though you have entered a value in the Assessment area. However, if the grading type is complete/incomplete, VoiceThread automatically registers a "complete" value when a student clicks the submit button, and that value will be passed back to Canvas.