Blackboard Collaborate Voice Tools (also known as Wimba Voice Tools) allow teachers and students to make and listen to voice recordings in Moodle. There is a suite of 5 tools available for LSE staff and students.
- Voice Boards - audio discussion board where both teachers and students can post recordings, linked together in a discussion thread.
- Voice Presentation - teachers can post a web page or Moodle resource with an associated recording. Students can then post audio comments.
- Podcaster - Used by the teacher to deliver 'podcasts'. Students can easily download a series of audio recordings (via iTunes or similar software) to mp3 players such as an iPod.
- Voice Authoring - Allows teachers to add individual audio recordings throughout Moodle. This can be used to give Audio Feedback with the Assignment tool Demo of audio feedback in Moodle.
- Voice Email - Allows teachers to record & send audio recordings from within Moodle
Why use it?
- To enhance online communication beyond the textual
- supports alternative, i.e. auditory, learning style
- audio feedback provides added level of feedback, which is an important element in successful learning
- language learning, including language oral assignments.
What do I need?
Blackboard Collaborate Voice Tools are found in the Moodle site for your course. To use the voice tools you will need:
- A computer that meets the recommended system requirements. LSE campus PCs meet the requirements. If using your own computer use this wizard to check that your computer is setup correctly.
- A PC stereo headset with microphone, (either USB or 3.5mm jacks)
On campus students can listen to recordings with earphones from any PC. Students making recording will need a headset (as above) & must use the PCs in Room D010 or in the Language Centre. Recordings should not be made in the other PC Labs or the Library as these are quiet study areas.
More information:
Wimba for Moodle Guide (PDF)
Moodle Docs documentation on Wimba Voice tools (very good). Please note we use Moodle version 2.x at LSE.
When using it, please note that we use Moodle version 2.x at LSE. We suggest the following pages to get started:
- Using Wimba Voice Tools - includes how to listen to and record messages
- Adding Wimba Voice tools - explains how to add and setup the voice tools
If you have any further questions, clt-support@lse.ac.uk
The Voice tools are now part of Blackboard Collaborate following a takeover of Wimba Inc. In LSE Moodle they are Voice Tools.
Technical Support
Use the Wimba wizard to check the set-up of your PC. If you are unable to resolve any technical problems identified by the wizard you should contact:
- clt-support@lse.ac.uk (x4697) for on campus computers
- Blackboard Collaborate Support for out of office hours support or for off campus computers
Recommended reading:
Bond, S, (2009) Audio Feedback, Report for LSE100
Merry, S and Orsmond, P: Students’ Attitudes to and Usage of Academic Feedback Provided Via Audio Files