Mote audio comments
To have a more conversational feel when commenting on student work, teachers may prefer to leave audio comments instead of written comments. Students using Mac, Windows, or Chromebook laptops can also leave voice comments or replies. The Mote chrome extension allows teachers and students to leave audio comments on Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets, as well as in certain areas of Google Classroom. Once the extension is added, audio commenting shows up as an option inside the regular commenting box in those Google Workspace tools.
Using Mote for audio comments - 4 minute tutorial on installing and using mote
How to add the ability to leave audio feedback or replies in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Classroom using Mote
Go to Chome Web Store and add the mote extension.
Accept the install and allow the use of your mic if prompted
Add comments in the same way you usually would using the add comment button, selecting insert->comment, or command+option+M (on Mac)
If you already had the document open before you installed the extension you will need to refresh your browser
Limitations
The basic, free version of Mote allows each person to record 20 comments each month with a one-minute duration limit.
Initially you may have a free trial of premium features.
A free trial and the basic version should be enough to try it out. However, if you need the premium version contact help@d-e.org to see if a paid license is available. This Mote pricing page lists the differences between the free and paid versions.
If you use this with Upper-School students, encourage them to download the extension so that they see comments in the document.
Anyone without the extension or on an iPad or mobile device will have to click a link to hear the comment.