Tools for Synchronous Online Learning
Much of the synchronous online teaching that occurs on our campus is facilitated through the use of Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Echo360.
Microsoft Teams
- Supporting Unit: University Technology Services
- Support Resources: Office 365 Hub
Teams is a collaboration software that includes chat, posting, file sharing, quizzing and assessment tools, and even its own web conferencing functionality. Teams can be used to collaborate with teaching teams or across departments and also can be used to organize and host course content and live sessions (teaching, office hours, etc.). To find out more about Teams, visit McMaster’s University Technology Services’ Office 365 Hub.
Zoom
- Supporting Unit: University Technology Services
- Support Resource: Discover Microsoft 365 and Zoom
Zoom can be used to host virtual classes, online office hours, or meetings with remote members over the internet. The MacPherson Institute offers consultations for teaching online so do reach out to staff there if you would like support for online teaching with Zoom. For more information and technical support for Zoom, visit University Technology Services Discover Microsoft 365 and Zoom page.
Echo360
- Supporting Unit: Campus Classroom Technologies (CCT)
- Support Resource: Echo360 Knowledge Base
Some large lecture halls are equipped with the technology to capture your teaching while you’re delivering a class in person. Echo360 can also capture your teaching from your personal computer or laptop. These recordings can be very helpful for allowing students to review lecture content at a later time. If you would like to use Echo360 to create videos for an online or blended course, it is recommended that you follow best practices for teaching online. To get started with Echo360, connect with Campus Classroom Technologies (CCT).
