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Alternatives to VoiceThread

Clarkson’s subscription to VoiceThread will end January 1, 2025. This means all access to VoiceThread services and any VoiceThread files through a clarkson.edu account will no longer be available starting January 1, 2025; including for administrators, teachers and students. No exemptions. The decision to not renew is driven by low adoption of the VoiceThread service and re-prioritizing financial resources.

TheTake followingthese is information individuals can usesteps to ensure a smooth transition:

  1. Export Your Voicethreads: Prior to December 20, 2024, teachers and students can export their own VoiceThread files. Details on how to export your own files here.

    1. Accounts Removed: On December 20, 2024, all accounts will be removed from Clarkson’s VoiceThread account. This will preserve users' content and allow users to continue to access their accounts if they wish. The accounts will be downgraded to Free and will not have access to any of the institutional account’s resources. This step is recommended by VoiceThread.
    2. Schedule a consultation with the Teaching and Learning Corner team for help in devising a customized plan for using alternate tools that support your instructional goals. Options are available and listed below, however, you may be interested in purchasing a Higher Ed Single Instructor License for your class(es).

    Alternates for Online Video/Audio collaboration

    Schedule a consultation with the Teaching and Learning Corner (TLC) team for help in devising a customized plan for using alternate tools that support your instructional goals HelpDesk 315-268-HELP (x4357) or helpdesk@clarkson.edu. See alternate options below. 

    OIT Supported

    These tools are included as enterprise versions and are 'free' to use for Clarkson faculty, staff and students.

     


    Moodle Forums Video Recording 4.1?

    Moodle Forums Video Recording 4.5

    Pros: The Forums tool has various tools such as the advanced editor which allows for media to be added, and places to upload media and share files, plus the ability for students to subscribe.

    Cons: PPT must be attached, not inserted. Comments/Replies are not directly on the media.

    More: Standard Forum for General Use,


    Echo360

    Pros: Integrated into Moodle for both faculty and students for easy access, browser or desktop options, mobile app available

    Cons: Learning Curve

    More: Echo Slides and Presentations, Echo360 Course Discussion/Q &A, Students submit an Echo360 recording assignment in Moodle,


    Google Slides

    Pros: Easy access for faculty and students, feedback/dialogue on individual slides, give view, comment or edit access, sharing is easy, commenters annotate with text based comments

    Cons:


    GoogleVid

    Pros: Very engaging, commenting on specific parts of video, comments easy to view and reply

    Cons: Only videos, not slides;

    More: Get Started with GoogleVids

    Moodle Board Tool 

    Pros: Tool in Moodle. for easy access by faculty and students

    Cons:



    Cloud Tools

    These tools are free to use or have free limited versions.

    Padlet

    Pros: Using Padlet as a Video Discussion

    Cons: The free version limits use to 3 Padlets but the Education cost for 2 teachers is reasonable. Pricing

    More: Padlet Help


    Vimeo

    Pros:

    Cons:

    Prezi

    Pros:

    Cons:


    Not Free-Negotiable

    Pricing is negotiable with perhaps a free semester.

    Harmonize

    Pros: integrates with Moodle, very robust

    Cons: Pricing

    Perusall

    Pros: Integrates with Moodle, collaboration and critical thinking

    Cons: Pricing (is murky)









    Articles of Interest

    *Engaging Students Through Asynchronous Video-Based Discussions in Online Courses

    *Prezi, Slideshare or VoiceThread-Which is best?


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