Georgetown classes have access to a tool that can turn online discussions into interactive multimedia conversations that can improve both accessibility and engagement.
VoiceThread is an online platform that enables asynchronous group conversations around images, documents, audio recordings, videos, and presentations. When a user uploads a document, others can comment on it—not only via text but also by recording a verbal message by phone or microphone, making a video with their webcam, or uploading an audio file. “During online learning, it helped to create a less text-heavy asynchronous interaction space for one of my classes,” said Yuki Kato, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Center for Social Justice Food Justice Fellow.
Iris Smorodinsky, teaching professor in the Department of French and Francophone Studies, began using VoiceThread in her classes when the pandemic forced the transition to virtual teaching last year. “In my advanced French class, students enjoyed the challenge of reading texts out loud and receiving my individualized personal comments on their pronunciation and rhythm,” she said. She also recorded her lectures on VoiceThread, which made them more accessible for international students who returned to their home countries and would not have been able to attend synchronous lectures at reasonable times.
Andrew Screen, an assistant teaching processor in the School of Continuing Studies English Language Center, observed that VoiceThread can facilitate class discussions in ways that in-person or synchronous online presentations might not. “The format can be more inclusive for introverts, or students who are not always prepared to ask a question on the spot,” he said. “Students are able to think a bit more deeply and take time to articulate a question for the presenter in a VoiceThread presentation.” An added benefit is that these asynchronous discussions allow instructors to use the limited in-class instruction time for other activities.
All Georgetown instructors and faculty are eligible for Pro accounts that allow for unlimited storage and provide group management features. Georgetown students are eligible for free Basic accounts. VoiceThread is made available through a partnership among the School of Continuing Studies, University Information Services, the Georgetown University Library, and the Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship. Learn more, including documentation and guidance for incorporating VoiceThread into Canvas, at library.georgetown.edu/voicethread.