EdTech Tools for Collaboration and Engagement

Choosing the right tools is crucial for fostering effective communication, collaboration, and active learning in the classroom. UCSF provides access and support for a variety of tools to promote collaboration and engagement in the classroom. The steps outlined here will help you choose the most appropriate tool to meet your needs. 

Step 1: Identify your objective and align them to the types of engagement/collaboration tools.

Types of Engagement and Collaboration Tools

  • Discussion and Communication Platforms: Facilitate communication and discussion among students and between students and instructors.
  • Collaborative Workspaces: Enable students to work together on projects and assignments in real-time.
  • Interactive Learning Tools: Promote active participation through interactive activities and real-time feedback.

Step 2: Evaluate the available tools.

UCSF-Supported Tools

Tool

Type

Use Cases

Features

CLE Discussion Discussion Forum
  • Asynchronous discussions
  • Peer feedback
  • Q&A
  • Threaded discussions
  • Multimedia support
  • CLE grade integration
Ed Discussion Discussion Forum
  • Asynchronous discussions
  • Q&A
  • Threaded discussions
  • Multimedia support
  • No CLE grade integration
  • Anonymous participation
Feedback Fruits Collaborative Workspaces/
Interactive Learning Tool
  • Authentic assessment
  • Peer review
  • Collaborative content
  • Group work
  • Team-based learning
  • Text, audio, or video feedback
  • Sharable rubrics and templates
  • CLE grade book and ‘groups’ integration
GoReact Collaborative Workspaces/
Interactive Learning Tool
  • Role-play scenarios.
  • Case discussions
  • Peer reviews/feedback
  • Oral presentations
  • Text, audio, or video time-stamped feedback
  • Customizable marker sets reviewers can use to flag common mistakes or competencies
H5P Interactive Learning Tool
  • Incorporate multimedia to your course material.
  • Reduce cognitive load by structuring content with interactivity.
  • Multiple choice & T/F knowledge checks
  • Visual quiz
  • Interactive video
  • Image juxtaposition
  • Simple scenario
  • No CLE grade integration
Poll Everywhere Interactive Learning Tool
  • Engage students with in-class surveys.
  • Enhance student participation with knowledge checks during lectures.
  • Live polls
  • Real-time survey/quizzes


Step 3: Consider piloting the tool with a small group of students.

  • Gather feedback and evaluate the effectiveness.
  • Make necessary adjustments before full implementation.

Support and Training

Engagement and collaboration are crucial components of an effective learning environment. The
right tools can enhance student interaction, participation, and collaborative learning and enhance the overall educational experience.

Check out the UCSF EdTech Tools Community Hub for more on the specific tools listed.

Or contact the UCSF Library Instructional Design Team for support.

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