Welcome to the Blackboard Mailbag, where we feature a commonly asked question that has been hitting our mailbox recently: blackboard@fordham.edu. You’ll find an archive of all of the previous questions and answers on our fordham.edu/blackboard website.
Note: Features may change with future updates.
As always, the Education Technologies team is committed to helping faculty leverage Blackboard to its fullest potential. While text-based discussion boards are a cornerstone of online and hybrid learning, they sometimes lack the warmth and nuance of classroom interactions. Today, we’d like to share a simple yet powerful approach that can transform your discussion board feedback: audio recordings.
Moving Beyond Traditional Text Summaries
Many faculty members conclude discussion activities with comprehensive written summaries – a valuable but often time-consuming practice. Instead of crafting lengthy text responses, though, consider recording brief audio feedback that accomplishes the same goals while adding the personal touch of your voice.
Why Audio Feedback Works in Blackboard
This approach offers several advantages that align with Fordham’s commitment to cura personalis (care for the whole person):
- Authentic Presence: Your voice communicates enthusiasm, empathy, and engagement in ways text cannot, helping maintain the Jesuit tradition of personal connection even in digital spaces.
- Time Efficiency: Speaking typically requires less time than writing equivalent content, allowing you to provide richer feedback without extending your workload.
- Student Recognition: Hearing their names mentioned specifically helps students feel seen and valued, strengthening their sense of belonging in your virtual classroom.
- Nuanced Communication: Complex concepts often benefit from verbal explanation, where your tone and emphasis can clarify important distinctions.
Example Scenarios Where Audio Feedback Shines
Large Discussion Groups: In courses with 25+ students participating in discussions, audio allows you to acknowledge more contributors by name without crafting an unwieldy text response.
Complex Theoretical Discussions: When students are grappling with challenging concepts in philosophy, theology, or advanced theory courses, your verbal explanations can provide clarity that text alone might not.
Formative Feedback Moments: Mid-semester check-ins benefit from the encouraging tone that audio can provide, helping to motivate students through challenging course material.
Structuring Your Audio Summary
For maximum impact, consider this simple framework:
- Begin with an overview of the discussion’s key themes (30-60 seconds)
- Acknowledge specific student contributions by name (1-2 minutes)
- Address any common misconceptions that emerged (1 minute)
- Connect the discussion to upcoming course material (30-60 seconds)
- Close with encouragement for continued engagement (15-30 seconds)
Supporting Student Learning
This approach provides students with:
- A stronger connection to you as their instructor
- Clearer understanding of your expectations
- Content that’s accessible for review before exams
- An alternative format that supports diverse learning preferences
Accessibility Considerations
While audio feedback offers many benefits, remember that some students may require text alternatives. Consider adding brief text notes alongside your audio link.
How to Record
We recommend that you use Panopto to record your audio.
1. Click on the (+) sign on the toolbar and select “Content Market.”
2. Select the Panopto Embed Tool (Ultra)
3. Choose the Record option (alternatively, if you want to record your audio with your smartphone instead you can select the Upload option to add your file)
4. Select the Audio option and after you’ve recorded your file you will see the message to close the file. You’ll be returned to the previous window or tab where you can choose the Insert option. This window or tab will then close and return you to the discussion where the recording will be added. Make sure to save your discussion post.
Need assistance implementing this technique? Contact us at Blackboard@fordham.edu, and we’d be happy to help.
For additional FAQs and resources about Blackboard, visit fordham.edu/blackboard, attend one of our workshops, sign up to meet with us on our EdTech Consultation Calendar via Zoom, or reach out to us with your availability and we will work with you to accommodate small groups and one-on-one sessions.
Have feedback or suggestions on features? Blackboard’s parent company Anthology hosts The Idea Exchange. This is a place specifically for Blackboard to track and manage enhancement requests. It allows for things like upvoting ideas and sharing development plans and statuses. You will need to create an account to access the Idea Exchange.