Language Studies Resource Center

Horizon Wimba Voice Tools

Horizon Wimba Voice Tools are web-based components that can be integrated directly into WebCT. The Voice Tools include Voice Recorder (to embed audio messages in WebCT pages), Voice Email (email with voice component), Voice Board (threaded, voice-based discussion board),Voice Presentation (voice annotated web pages), Wimba Podcaster (create your own podcasts) and Voice Direct (synchronous web conferencing system), . Overall, the Voice Tools are a great way to help increase student interaction and engagement level with the online learning environment.

Voice Recorder

This tool allows you to record welcome messages, announcements and instructions for your students.

[ Example]

Voice E-mail

allows you to send an email with a voice. Messages can also be saved for later use. The length of messages can be set by the instructor.

Voice Board

allows you to have threaded discussion forums with a voice component. You can post a voice message on the board, listen to others’ voice messages, and post replies. You can upload pre-recorded audio files and have students respond to them. You can post text messages as well.

Voice Presentation

allows you to add voice and text annotations to any websites you want your students to look at. You can also post any web-ready multimedia content like Flash or video and annotate it with your voice.

Wimba Podcaster

allows you to create your own podcasts for your course, or upload pre-recorded audio files. Students can subscribe to these podcasts and receive new ones automatically directly into their iTunes without downloading them from your course WebCT site. Students can then listen to the audio files on their iPod without being connected to the Internet.

Voice Direct

allows you to have a conference call ("chat") over the internet without having everybody in the same room. Each chat session can be archived by the instructor. Archives are accessible to both the instructor and students.

Want to Know More?

There is a WebCT site, "Wimba Playground," set up for ISU instructors, staff, and students interested in getting more familiar with Wimba tools. Contact Julio Rodriguez, jcesar@iastate.edu, to be added to this WebCT site or if you have any other questions.

System Requirements

Microphone (if your computer does not have a built-in microphone, plug in an external microphone)

Go to http://wimba.its.iastate.edu/wimba/wizard/ and run the system diagnostic check to ensure your computer is compatible with the Voice Tools. Make sure all tests are completed successfully.

If you are using a Mac, please use Firefox (version 2.0 or higher) as your browser.

If you are using a PC, please use IE (version 5.0 or higher), Netscape (version 7.0 or higher) or Firefox (version 2.0 or higher) as your browser.

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