VoiceThread

VoiceThread supports diverse learning needs by offering multiple ways to create, share, and engage with content.

VoiceThread is an interactive platform that allows students and faculty to share and discuss media (e.g. images, videos, PDFs, and more) using text, audio, and video comments. It supports flexible communication through microphones, webcams, text, and file uploads.

Learn More About VoiceThread

Create Accessible VoiceThreads

Develop accessible VoiceThreads by applying intentional design, clear structure, and inclusive media practices. By using VoiceThread’s built-in tools alongside accessibility best practices, you can create content that supports all learners.

Edit Slide Media for Accessibility 

Many accessibility improvements can be made directly to your slides. Use the Edit Slide Media pane to add context, clarify visuals, and ensure your content is accessible to all viewers.

You can access the Edit pane in several ways:

  • From the Edit page
  • From the Menu icon of an open VoiceThread
  • From the Details/Information pane of an open VoiceThread (click the pencil icon)
  • From the Slide Gallery of an open VoiceThread (click the pencil icon)
Screenshot of the Edit Page in VoiceThread. Users can access the Edit Media pane from this page.

 

Access the Edit Media pane from the Edit page.

Select More Options (three dots) to get slide details. Then, click the Edit (pencil) icon to launch.

Screenshot of the Menu list of an open VoiceThread. Users can access the Edit Media pane from this page.

Access the Edit Media pane from the Menu icon of an open VoiceThread.

Select More Options (three dots) from the top menu bar. Choose Edit. This will take you to the Edit page. 

Screenshot of Details/Information Pane of an Open VoiceThread. Users can access the Edit Media pane from this page.

Access the Edit Media pane from the Details/Information pane of an open VoiceThread.

Click the Edit (pencil) icon to launch.

 

Screenshot of the Slide Gallery in an open VoiceThread. Users can access the Edit Media pane from here.

Access the Edit Media pane from the Slide Gallery of an open VoiceThread.

Click Show Gallery View at the bottom of the screen. Then, open More Options (three dots) and select the Edit (pencil) icon to launch the Edit Media pane.

Slide titles act as headings that guide viewers through your VoiceThread. Give each slide a unique, descriptive title to support clear navigation.

Screenshot of the Slide Title entry box on the Edit Media pane.

Add a unique title to each slide using the Edit Media pane.

Provide concise and meaningful alternative text to each slide to ensure all assistive technology users can understand your content—even if they cannot see it.  

Screen readers can access any text entered in the Slide Description or Text Preview pane. Integrated AI will attempt to generate this text, so it is important to review and edit it for accuracy and clarity. Ensure that any text written on the slide is included in the Slide Description.

Note: Copied VoiceThread slides will NOT retain alternative text in the Slide Description/ Text Preview pane. You will need to manually re-enter this content when duplicating slides.

Screenshot of the Slide Description/Preview pane in the Edit Media pane.

In the Edit Media pane, enter meaningful alternative text in the Slide Description/Preview pane for each slide.

In addition to alternative text, consider adding audio descriptions for slides with important visual content. Audio descriptions provide a narrated explanation of what appears on the slide, offering additional context for users who cannot see it.

Audio descriptions are typically easier to access than video comments because they are attached directly to the slide and can be played more easily using assistive technologies.

Note: At this time, audio descriptions must be uploaded as pre-recorded audio files, as VoiceThread has not yet provided a way to record them directly within the platform. 

Screenshot of the Add Audio button in the Edit Media pane.

Select Add Audio in the Edit Media pane to upload an external audio file for your audio description.

Screenshot of the Edit Media pane. It compares the previous slide with no audio description file and then the new slide with an audio description file embedded into the slide.

When an audio description is uploaded, you will see a preview of the new slide in the Edit Media pane. Audio descriptions will be attached directly to the slide as a media file. This makes it easier for assistive technology users to access your description. 

In VoiceThread, you can add an active URL to a slide, allowing viewers to access external content when selected. When adding a link, ensure that the link title is descriptive, as this provides users with clear context about where the link will take them. In other words, they tell users exactly where they will go and what to expect when they click. 

Additional Accessibility Considerations

Beyond slide-level edits, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your VoiceThread content is fully accessible and inclusive for all users.

When using slides with complex images (e.g. charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, cartoons, etc.), it is important to provide long descriptions. Long descriptions provide a textual explanation of the essential information being presented in a detailed or complex image. In VoiceThread, you have several options for adding long descriptions: 

  • Adding a slide with a detailed text explanation (before or after the image)
  • Uploading a pre-recorded audio description
  • Writing a text comment (no character limit)
  • Recording an audio or video explanation

Regardless of the method, include alternative text in the Slide Description or Text Preview pane. This text should briefly identify the image and direct users to the location of the long description.

For more help with long description, enroll in our Making Complex Images Accessible workshop.

Captioning content in VoiceThread is simplified with the help of free machine-generated captions. Request captions for all audio and video content using the caption window (cc) on your slides and/or comments. The auto-captioning process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours to complete. 

Manually Uploading Captions

If you upload a video or audio file to VoiceThread from an external source, you may already have a caption file that can be imported using the caption window.

Editing Captions

Verify that your slide/comment captions have been generated accurately. Use the caption window to add, modify, or remove captions as needed. 

Screenshot of where to access caption editing.

Access the Edit Caption pane from the Closed Captioning (CC) menu in the play bar.

Transcripts

In VoiceThread, an interactive transcript is automatically generated from your captions. When you edit the captions in the caption window, a new transcript is created. However, students cannot download this transcript, and it can only be viewed by accessing the caption window.

Threaded comments and Direct Replies can make it harder for some users to follow the flow of a conversation. The nested structure isn’t always clear for screen reader or keyboard users, which can make navigation and understanding more difficult.

To keep things easier to follow, aim for a more linear commenting style. A clear, consistent order helps everyone stay oriented and engaged in the discussion.

Instructor Tips:
  • Ask students to post new comments instead of replying in threads
  • Use one prompt per slide to keep responses organized
  • Give clear directions on where and how to respond
  • Share an example so students know what you expect

Doodles (such as drawings, highlights, or marks directly on slides) can be difficult for some users to access. These elements are not read by screen readers, and they may be difficult to see for users with low vision or those viewing on a smaller screen.

Do not rely on doodles to communicate important information. Instead, include key details in the slide text, alternative text, or audio description so all users can access the content.

Instructor Tips:
  • Include important information in slide text or descriptions, not just doodles
  • Use audio or text comments to explain visual markings
  • Avoid using doodles as the only way to convey meaning
  • Review your slides to ensure all content is understandable without visual cues

Edit VoiceThread Playback Settings for Accessibility

You can adjust VoiceThread playback settings to support accessibility and give users more control over their experience. This is especially important when setting up graded assignments through the Blackboard LTI.

For more information on how to access and change your VoiceThread settings, see Changing your VoiceThread Settings. 

Avoid advancing slides automatically after each recording (including comments or audio descriptions). Screen reader users may not have enough time to access the slide and its alternative text before the next slide loads, which can cause them to miss important information.

Screenshot of Option to Advance Slide after Recording ends.

Disable automatic slide advancement in the Settings menu. See Changing your VoiceThread Setting for access instructions.

Make sure videos do not autoplay when a slide is opened. Screen reader users rely on hearing navigation instructions first. Autoplay audio can interfere with those cues.

Screenshot of option to allow recordings to autoplay when a slide opens.

Use the Settings menu to turn off autoplay when a slide opens. See Changing your VoiceThread Setting for access instructions.

Disable the Advance to Next Slide After Last Comment is Played option in the Playback menu. Automatically moving to the next slide can make it difficult for assistive technology users to review all content and orient themselves before continuing.

Screenshot of option to advance slide after last comment.

Use the Settings menu to turn off automatic slide advancement after the final comment plays. See Changing your VoiceThread Setting for access instructions.

Other Available Accessibility Features

VoiceThread includes built-in accessibility features that support a wide range of user needs. Share these with your students or use them to enhance your own experience.

VoiceThread supports keyboard navigation for all major functions, enhancing accessibility for everyone. Share keyboard shortcuts with all students prior to assignments in VoiceThread. By providing this information to everyone, you avoid singling out individuals with disabilities and acknowledge that disabilities, including invisible ones, may not always be apparent.

Users may choose to toggle between Dark and Light Mode. Dark mode alters VoiceThread's interface background to black, offering assistance to users with visual impairments or sensitivity to bright light. 

VoiceThread's gallery view allows you to see all slides at once, streamlining navigation through your media. This feature allows users to view a slide while keeping the gallery view open. It also makes it easy for users to jump to any other slide while recording a multi-slide comment.

Screenshot of the Slide Gallery in an open VoiceThread.

Access the Gallery View by selecting Show Gallery View in the slide's play bar. You will be able to see all slides at once.

Users can customize the text size of comments (both theirs and others) to meet their individual needs. Text sizes range from "smaller" to "bigger." To adjust the size, simply click on the comment you want to view. Then, select the Adjust Text Size button.

Screenshot of the Text Size option in a VoiceThread Comment.

Change the text size in your comments and others’ comments by selecting a comment, then clicking Adjust Text Size.

VoiceThread offers zoom buttons (+ and -) that allow users to zoom in on slides. Additionally, users can drag the slide to pan around, providing better access to visual elements that may be too small to see.

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