Aims and objectives
This module will:
- explore the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of online communication
- examine tools for communicating and collaborating online.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- communicate effectively, respectfully and safely in interactive online environments
- evaluate and select different tools for communicating and collaborating online.
4. Collaboration tools
There are many great online tools that can help you collaborate on assignments and projects. Check the privacy settings of any tool that you use so that you limit the availability of your data. Try to lock access so that only your group can see any activity.
A particular tool may not suit all members of your group due to accessibility issues or other concerns. Work together to choose a tool that everyone can use.
Use your UQ email for any collaboration you do as part of your university course.
Messaging and discussions
Some tools have extra features for group messaging, that tools like Messenger or Whatsapp don't have.
Set up messaging or discussions for your group
| Tool | Discussion threads for organised conversations | Free account available | App for use on mobile devices | File sharing | File storage | Other useful features | Limitations | Help and tutorials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Secure; integrates with Google Drive and many other apps; searchable message archives; configure notifications | Intro to Slack | |
| Facebook group | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Must edit settings to keep it private | Facebook group features | |
| Google Groups | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available on Google Drive |
| Users must have a Google account to set up and join Google Groups | Get started with Google Groups |
| Yes | Yes | Yes (iOS and Android) | Yes | Yes | The WeChat Chatterbox blog outlines prducts and features | WeChat Help Center |
Discussion tools used on Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
These tools may be used in your Learn.UQ (Blackboard) courses:
| Tool | Discussion threads for organised conversations | App for use on mobile devices | File sharing | Other useful features | Limitations | Tutorials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piazza | Yes | Yes | Yes | Poll tool | Only instructors can set up a Piazza discussion | Getting started |
| Discussion Boards | Yes | No | No | Only instructors can set up group discussions | Using the discussion board | |
| ePortfolio collaborative workspace | Yes | No | Yes (has a Check a File Out/In feature) | Secure; To-do list | Can't work on documents at the same time | Create a Workspace |
Online meetings and video conferencing
| Tool | Upgraded account available via UQ | Free account available | App for mobile devices | File sharing | Screen sharing | Whiteboard tools | Group messaging | Tutorials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | How to install and use Zoom |
| Skype | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | How to use Skype (YouTube, 4m19s) |
| Google Meet | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Google Meet training and help |
Collaborative documents
| Tool | Upgraded account available via UQ | Free account available | Limitations | Simultaneous editing | Version control | File storage | Export function | Tutorials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive - Docs, Sheets, Slides etc | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Get started with Google Drive | |
| Office 365 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc | Yes | No | You need a free personal Microsoft account to get OneDrive (for cloud storage). OneDrive is NOT included in Office 365 for UQ students. | Yes | Yes | Yes (on One Drive) | Yes | Office Help & Training |
| Overleaf | Yes | Yes - student plan available | Yes | Yes | It is not a cloud storage system but you can upload multiple files. | Yes | How do I use Overleaf? |
See the working with files module for other cloud storage options.
Other useful online tools for collaborating
| Tool | Purpose | Upgraded account available via UQ | Free account available | Useful features | Tutorials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | Organise your project tasks | No | Yes | Upload files, link to Google Drive, create checklists | Getting started with Trello |
| Padlet | Share ideas and information | Yes | Yes | Post comments, upload files (video, music, images etc), embed content, attach links | Using Padlet |
| Tricider | For easy group decision making | No | Yes, don't need to register to use it | Ask a question, ask others to submit their ideas and then vote on responses. Takes away the need for back and forth discussion via messaging or meeting up. Can be anonymous | Online voting and decision making demo (YouTube, 1m27s) |
| Reasons.io | For argument mapping | No (open source) | Yes | Create, edit, share, and export argument maps. Register to save maps and share the link with your group | Getting started with Reasons.io |
| Bubbl.us | Brainstorming and mindmapping | No | Yes | Can share link and export as an image | Video tutorials |
Duration: 
Approximately 30 minutes
Graduate attributes
Knowledge and skills you can gain to contribute to your Graduate attributes:
Effective communication
Critical judgement
Ethical and social understanding
Check your knowledge
Check what you know about this topic:
Support at UQ
Access UQ services to assist you with personal or study-related issues.
