Using VoiceThread with Canvas

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Instructions / Solution Steps 
• Common Issues & Troubleshooting 
• Additional Resources / Related Articles  
• Contact / Escalation Information

Introduction (Required) 

This solution explains how instructors can link VoiceThread to their Canvas course using the VoiceThread external tool integration (LTI). VoiceThread allows instructors and students to create interactive presentations that include audio, video, text, and image comments. Integrating VoiceThread with Canvas enables seamless access to VoiceThread activities and allows grades to sync automatically with the Canvas Gradebook. 

This solution should be used when instructors want to: 

• Create interactive multimedia discussions  
• Assign student presentations with audio or video comments  
• Provide feedback using voice or video  
• Encourage student collaboration and engagement  
• Track participation through graded VoiceThread activities  
• VoiceThread is often used for presentations, discussions, language practice, peer review, and interactive lectures.

Before linking VoiceThread to Canvas, the following requirements should be met: 

• VoiceThread must be enabled in Canvas by the institution  
• The instructor must have an active VoiceThread account  
• The Canvas course must be available to the instructor  
• The instructor must have permission to add external tools  
• Students must have access to VoiceThread through the institution  
• If VoiceThread is not visible in the course navigation or External Tool list, contact the Learning Technologies team for assistance.

Solution Steps: How to Link VoiceThread to Canvas 

Step 1: Access Your Canvas Course 

1. Log into Canvas.  
2. Select the course where VoiceThread will be used.  

Step 2: Add VoiceThread to a Module 

1. Click Modules in the course navigation menu.  
2. Click the + (plus icon).  
3. From the dropdown menu, select External Tool.  
4. Choose VoiceThread from the list.  
5. Click Add Item.  

Step 3: Select VoiceThread Activity Type

1. After selecting VoiceThread, choose the type of activity you want to create: 
2. Course View – Displays all VoiceThreads associated with the course  
3. Individual VoiceThread – Displays a specific VoiceThread activity  
4. VoiceThread Assignment Builder – Creates graded assignments  
5. Select the desired option and follow the prompts.

Step 4: Configure the Assignment (if graded) 

1. Enter the assignment title.  
2. Select submission requirements.  
3. Choose grading settings.  
4. Save the assignment.  

Step 5: Publish the Activity 

1. Ensure the module item is published.  
2. Students can now access VoiceThread through Canvas.

How Students Participate in VoiceThread

Students can interact with VoiceThread by: 

1. Recording audio comments  
2. Recording video comments  
3. Typing text responses  
4. Uploading files  
5. Drawing annotations on slides  

Students can access VoiceThread directly from the Canvas course. 

Common Issues & Troubleshooting (Optional)

VoiceThread is not listed as an External Tool 

• Confirm the tool is enabled in Canvas.  
• Contact IT if the tool is not available.  

Students cannot access VoiceThread 

• Ensure the activity is published.  
• Confirm students are accessing VoiceThread through Canvas.  

Unable to record audio or video 

• Check browser permissions for microphone and camera.  
• Try using Chrome or Firefox.  

Grades are not syncing to Canvas 

• Ensure the assignment was created using the VoiceThread Assignment Builder.  

VoiceThread content does not load 

• Refresh the browser.  
• Confirm pop-ups are enabled. 

Additional Resources / Related Articles 

VoiceThread Canvas Integration Guide 

https://voicethread.com/support/integrations/canvas/  

VoiceThread Instructor Guide 

https://voicethread.com/support/  

Contact / Escalation Information

If you encounter an issue with VoiceThread or if the navigation settings are not saving or behaving as expected, you may contact the Kean Canvas Learning Technologies Support Team for assistance.     

Please submit a support request through the IT Help Desk portal using the Canvas support catalog. When submitting a ticket, include the following information to help expedite troubleshooting:     

• Course Name and Course ID (Example: 2026SP*BIO*1000*01)     
• A brief description of the issue     
• Screenshots of the issue (if available)     
• The specific tool or link in question that you are trying to access     

If the issue involves permissions, locked navigation items, or course template restrictions, the request may need to be reviewed by the Learning Technologies Management Team.     

For urgent issues affecting active courses, you may also contact the IT Help Desk directly:     

• Help Desk Website: helpdesk.kean.edu/support/home     
• Phone: 908-737-6000     
• 24/7 Canvas Support can be found by clicking on Help in the Global Navigation section and clicking Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty). They can also be reached via Hotline at 855-781-8511.     

The support team will review the request and assist with troubleshooting, permissions, or configuration changes as needed.