Academic technology tools

Use MediaPlus to upload, manage and share video or audio for your course. MediaPlus supports streaming, captions and transcripts and lets you organize course media into playlists and collections. You can also embed MediaPlus videos and playlists directly in Canvas for students to view.

Use ScreenPal to create and edit course videos by recording your screen, webcam or both with narration and computer audio. Edit recordings to remove mistakes, combine clips or add simple visual elements. Upload finished course videos to MediaPlus for captioning, hosting and sharing in Canvas.

Use Slack for course communication and collaboration through channels, direct messages and shared files. Create spaces for class topics, projects or groups and use Huddles for live conversation. Slack can complement Canvas with a searchable space for communication between class meetings.

Use Turnitin to review source matches in written work submitted through Canvas. Turnitin compares submissions with student papers, websites, publications and other sources and generates a Similarity Report. Faculty and students can use the report to review matched text, source use and citation practices.

Use VoiceThread to create asynchronous activities around shared media. Students can respond to slides, images, documents, video or audio using voice, video, text and annotations. VoiceThread supports media-based discussion and peer feedback without requiring students to participate at the same time.

Use WeVideo to add questions, polls, discussions and other interactions at selected points in existing videos. Students can respond while viewing videos hosted in MediaPlus and other supported platforms. WeVideo also connects with Canvas for assigning activities and syncing eligible scores.

Use Yellowdig to create ongoing course conversations where students can share ideas, resources, questions and responses. Its social-feed format supports participation over time rather than tying each conversation to a separate discussion prompt. Yellowdig also connects with Canvas to track participation.

Use Zoom for live teaching and collaboration in online, hybrid and in-person courses. Host classes, office hours, guest speakers, presentations, meetings and other activities where students or others need to interact in real time. Zoom can also record and share sessions when appropriate.