VoiceThread: Enabling Cookies and Local Storage for VoiceThread in D2L

When attempting to view or create a VoiceThread assignment in D2L, users sometimes encounter a blank screen. This is often due to third-party cookies or tracking being blocked. This article explains how faculty or students can enable third-party cookies for VoiceThread in a variety of browsers for desktop and laptop computers, and mobile devices.

Article Type: Known Error/Issue

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Problem:

• VoiceThread, like many external tools integrated with D2L, relies on session cookies to work. If third-party tracking or cookies are blocked, users attempting to view a VoiceThread assignment in D2L may encounter a blank or black screen. Or their assignment might not load, leaving them stuck on a message about being redirected, as in the following examples:

  

  Example 1 Black screen error

  

  Example 2 Blank screen error

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Resolution:

• Enable cookies or turn off enhanced protection. How to do this varies by browser and platform. On mobile devices, such as an iPhone, you may have to allow all third-party tracking in order to use VoiceThread in D2L. If third party tracking is undesirable, one can enable it to set up assignments and then disable it when done.

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Instructions: 

• VoiceThread documentation on cookies:

(includes explanation of how data is used as well as text-based instructions for enabling tracking on various platforms). This may be all you need to consult, especially for Microsoft Edge. If you follow the instructions at this site for your browser and it still does not work, you might want to review the browser-specific links below.

VoiceThread's guide to cookies and local storage 

• Enable cookies in Chrome on PC, Android, and iPhone/iPad:

Google: Turn cookies on or off

VoiceThread should work automatically in D2L on iPhones and iPads if you use Chrome because cookies are automatically turned on and stay on. If you don’t want your device to save cookies, your only option is to clear data.

• Clear and manage cookies in Chrome on PC, Android, and iPhone/iPad:

Clear, enable, and manage cookies in Chrome

If you want to disable third-party cookies but enable them for VoiceThread. scroll down to “change your cookie settings,” then “Allow or block cookies for a specific site.” Then use this url: https://metrostate.voicethread.com/

• Firefox:

Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for desktop

If you are unable to access a VoiceThread link in D2L, this section of the Firefox article might be most useful: What to do if a site seems broken

• Safari on Mac:

Enable cookies in Safari on Mac

• Safari for iPhone & iPad:

Block or allow cookies in Safari on iPad or iPhone

Please note: If enabling cookies does not work, you may need to turn off ‘Prevent Cross-Site Tracking’. 

Get Help:

• For help with D2L Brightspace:
  • Service portal
  • 651-793-1240
  • Service.center@metrostate.edu