Description

Collaborative online tools (sometimes referred to as applications) help teams work together more efficiently and can facilitate intercultural interaction and global learning. Whether collaborating virtually with colleagues from different countries or with those at your own institution, staying connected in real-time is crucial. Utilizing tools that function like a whiteboard but offer flexibility for personal use is essential. Additionally, when dealing with potential language barriers, having a platform where you can share images to express your ideas can be very helpful.

Countless applications are available, but when managing a large group, it's important to be creative and find a comprehensive platform to chat, share files, foster a respectful and comfortable brainstorming environment, and develop your ideas effectively. Creative tools like Miro and Discord are examples of these types of applications. Miro, with free and fee-based versions, is an online whiteboard that helps teams collaborate visually and interactively. Discord is a free online social platform that allows users to communicate in real-time through text, voice, and video chat. These user-friendly applications enable instructors and students to plan for the semester, share project briefs, and conduct virtual workshops. Instructors can tailor the platforms to their unique teaching styles, and no special design skills or technological expertise is needed to use these applications.

Miro offers features to help with remote collaboration and creative thinking and can be used in conjunction with various educational tools. It streamlines workflows and ensures a cohesive virtual learning experience. The platform's commitment to security is noteworthy, providing educators with a reliable and secure space for collaboration.

Discord functions as a real-time messaging platform that supports communication through voice and video calls and the sharing of media and files. Communication can be conducted privately or within designated virtual communities known as "servers." Students have used this platform for collaborative team projects and interaction with international peers, preserving connectivity and ensuring data security. Using Discord has proven beneficial, allowing instructors to deliver course materials directly to student teams and promptly address any missed assignments. This streamlined communication approach reduces misunderstandings and enhances clarity within the educational framework.