Creating a Narrated PowerPoint in VoiceThread

📢 How to Create a Narrated PowerPoint in VoiceThread through Blackboard

This guide walks faculty through the entire process of creating a narrated presentation using VoiceThread (VT), starting within Blackboard, using the integrated LTI tool. You’ll learn how to build a VT assignment link, create or upload your VoiceThread, record narration, and share it with your students.

🔰 Step 1: Add VoiceThread to Your Blackboard Course

To get started, you must add a VoiceThread link from inside your Blackboard course:

1. Open your course content area, click “Build Content” > “VoiceThread.”

2. Choose Assignment Type

   • You’ll see options like:

     • Create – students must create their own VoiceThread

     • Comment – students comment on yours

     • Watch – students view a VT without interaction

   • For narrated lectures, simply choose "Individual VT" but select “Comment” if you want students to respond, or “Watch” if you don’t.

3. Configure Settings

   • Add a title and description

   • Set grading options (optional)

4. Customize Link Details

   • Adjust the link name and instructions as needed

   • Click Submit when finished

🧭 Step 2: Launch VoiceThread from the Link

After creating the link, click on it as the instructor to launch VoiceThread inside Blackboard.

You will now have the option to:

• Create a new VoiceThread

• Select an existing VoiceThread

🆕 Step 3: Create a New VoiceThread with Narrated PowerPoint Slides

To build a new narrated presentation:

1. Click “Create a new VoiceThread”

2. Add Media

   • Click “Add from my computer”

   • Choose your PowerPoint file (.pdf recommended)
     🔔 Tip: Save your PowerPoint as a PDF to prevent formatting issues — animations and transitions won’t carry over.

3. Name your VoiceThread

   • Add a title and optional description

   • Wait while slides process (each becomes a static image)

🎤 Step 4: Record Narration (Slide-by-Slide)

1. Click the “Comment” button at the top

2. On each slide:

   • Click the comment bubble on the timeline

   • Use the microphone icon to record audio

   • Use the camera icon to record video narration (optional)

   • Use the plus sign ➕ to move to the next slide

   • Use the pencil icon to annotate while narrating

   • Click Save after each comment

Repeat for each slide until your presentation is fully narrated.

📤 Step 5: Finalize and Share with Students

Once you've finished:

• Click the “X” to close editing

• Return to Blackboard — the VoiceThread will now be linked to your course assignment

• Students can click the link and view or interact based on the settings you chose in Step 1

If you assigned points, the grade will sync back to the Blackboard Grade Center.

🗂️ Optional: Attach an Existing VoiceThread

If you already created a VT previously (e.g., for another course or term):

1. Choose “Use an existing VoiceThread” after clicking the link in Blackboard

2. Select the appropriate VoiceThread from your list

3. Follow the rest of the sharing steps as outlined above

🎥 Helpful Tutorials

• Watch our CCRI VoiceThread Tutorial

• Narrated PowerPoint in VT (YouTube)

💡 When to Use VoiceThread vs. Other Tools

🛠 Troubleshooting Tips

• Do not record narration in PowerPoint — use VT’s Comment tool

• Save your slides as PDF before uploading for best results

• Check browser microphone permissions if audio doesn't record

• Narration must be added within VoiceThread, slide-by-slide

🤝 Need Help?

📅 Book a session directly with VoiceThread
Email: support@voicethread.com

📨 Submit a ticket to Online Learning & Technology
VoiceThread Support Portal – CCRI

We’re happy to help you choose the best workflow for your teaching goals!