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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.

Take these steps 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 4.5 (Coming in January 2025)
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); grading not easy









Articles of Interest

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

*Prezi, Slideshare or VoiceThread-Which is best?


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