Microsoft Teams
Faculty have the ability to create an interactive online classroom with Microsoft Teams. Teams supports group conversations, video conferencing (up to 49 screens), virtual breakout rooms and the ability to chat and share files. A team is automatically created for all courses. New to Microsoft Teams? View the Quick Guide (PDF)
In a Teams classroom, instructors may start the class session from the Microsoft Teams panel in the room. Those in the room immediately see and hear students joining remotely. Both faculty and students can share their screen remotely, minimizing the need for handling any cables to connect to classroom technology. View a detailed description of the classroom technology.
In a Standard classroom, the instructor may schedule the recurring meeting in Teams. In the room, there is no Microsoft Teams computer panel, the instructor joins the Teams class on her/his laptop and shares the material to all remote participants screens simultaneously. In order to display in the physical room, the instructor connects to the projector/screen using Airmedia/Solstice (if available) or with an HDMI cable. Students are also able to share their screens/content with the entire class via Teams.
The Microsoft Teams software may be accessed via the web, desktop versions for Windows and Apple Macintosh platforms, as well as Apple and Android mobile devices. For the best experience, all students and faculty are encouraged to turn on the new Microsoft Teams Experience.
Blackboard Collaborate
An alternative to Microsoft Teams, Blackboard Collaborate, a Blackboard tool where students and instructors can meet synchronously, or instructors can record lectures. Like Teams, presenters (both faculty and students if given the role) can share files, chat, poll, annotate, and record. Recorded lectures are available in Blackboard shortly after.
This tool provides instructors with the opportunity to demonstrate difficult material and break down content for students. Collaborate helps instructors create virtual classrooms, breakout sessions, and meeting spaces that foster exciting new learning opportunities while also increasing student engagement. Collaborate allows instructors to poll your participants, work together on an interactive white board, chat with participants, allow participants to virtually raise their hands for questions, import PowerPoint slides, share your computer screen or a particular window, share the microphone, use a webcam, and more. Events also can be recorded for later viewing.
Echo360 Lecture Capture
Lecture capture allows instructors to record instructional content on their own laptop/desktop or in their classroom. Students are then able to view the recording from within Blackboard. This provides students with a powerful tool to review content, access supplemental material or receive instruction that is web-based. Echo360 videos feature integrated closed captioning abilities and greatly expand the accessibility of your educational content.
