Communication & Collaboration Tools
💬 Let's Interact!
These tools help faculty and students connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Use them to create interactive discussions, virtual teamwork, or real-time class engagement. 🟢 Indicates a free version available.
💬Zoom
Purpose: Real-time video meetings and virtual office hours.
Best for: Synchronous lectures, guest speakers, and group projects.
Pro Tip: Record sessions to the cloud and share the link in Moodle for students who miss class.
Access: 🟢Available via institutional license
💬Padlet
Purpose: Collaborative digital bulletin boards for sharing ideas, images, and links.
Best for: Brainstorming, peer feedback, reflection activities.
Pro Tip: Use “Shelf” layout for organizing posts by week or topic.
Integration: 🟢 Embed Padlet boards directly in Moodle using an iframe or link.
💬Microsoft Teams
Purpose: Messaging, video calls, and shared workspace for teams or classes.
Best for: Ongoing class projects, group communication, and document sharing.
Pro Tip: Create channels for each group or topic to organize collaboration.
Flip is Integrated with Microsoft Teams
💬Mira Whiteboard
Purpose: Online whiteboard and visual collaboration tool.
Best for: Group brainstorming, mind mapping, and planning activities. Annotate, draw, and record voice and screen to create video tutorials or interactive lessons.
Pro Tip: Use templates for concept mapping or workflow design during live sessions.sessions or dynamic video lessons, explaining complex concepts, and providing detailed, personalized feedback with audio and visual cues..
🧰 Similar Tools: Explain Everything; Whiteboard.fi (by Kahoot!
💡 Faculty Tips
- Blend synchronous and asynchronous tools for flexibility — for example, use Zoom for live sessions and Padlet for follow-up reflection.
- Include clear expectations for tool use in your syllabus (e.g., when students should check Teams messages).
- Always test accessibility and mobile usability before requiring a tool for coursework.