InterPro - Online Learning - Tools & Technology - Canvas - How to Post Audio Comments in Discussion Forum posts

In addition to text comments, audio comments can be used to participate in Canvas Discussion Forums. Audio comments can be directly recorded in Canvas, or they can be uploaded as a file if the recording was completed using a separate application (i.e., iPhone's Voice Memo app). Both methods will be explained in this document.

1) Go to your Canvas Course Dashboard. Navigate to the appropriate course.

2) Navigate to the appropriate Discussion Forum. 

3) Below the discussion's description, select Reply. A text editor appears. 

4) Select the Record/Upload Media button. Then record or upload your audio comment.

Option 1: Record Audio Directly in Canvas

• Note: Use headphones with microphone for best audio quality.
• Make sure to allow browser access to the audio/microphone when first getting started.
• The Record/Upload Media tool defaults to the Record Media tab.

• The view of your computer's webcam will automatically appear. This needs to be turned off to record an audio comment. Select Webcam > No Video.

• Click Mic. If you are using a headset, Canvas should default to this option. If you are not using a headset, the computer's Internal Microphone (Built-in) should be selected.
  
  

• Start speaking to ensure the microphone is working properly. The bar above the Start Recording button should show feedback. A blue bar will appear and adjust its size based on the volume of the detected audio.

• When you are ready to start recording your audio comment, click Start Recording. Canvas will count down from 3, and then start recording.

• When your recording is complete, click Finish. If you are not satisfied with the recording, click Start Over.

• After the recording is finished, Canvas will navigate to a Preview window. Press the play button to replay the recording. If you would like to re-record, click Start Over. Otherwise, name your audio comment (or you can leave it Untitled) and click Save.

• The text editor will appear again with your audio comment. Click Post Reply. 

• The instructor and other students will now be able to listen and reply to your audio comment.

Option 2: Upload Previously Recorded Audio to Canvas

• Select the Upload Media tab.

• Click Select Audio File.

• Find the audio file on your computer, select the file, and click Open.
• It will take a few seconds for Canvas to process the audio file. Once processed, click Post Reply.

• The instructor and other students will now be able to listen and reply to your audio comment.