Online Learning Tools
As of June 30, 2021, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra is no longer available for free use by UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students. UW–Madison recommends using Zoom as a replacement for instructional and non-instructional web conferencing purposes.
UW–Madison Zoom accounts cannot be used to store HIPAA protected data (Protected Health Information, PHI), unless they are using a HIPAA protected sub account; please contact zoom-support@doit.wisc.edu for help creating a HIPAA protected sub account.
Online learning can occur in many different environments, including undergraduate classes, graduate classes, and workplace trainings. Shifting content from face-to-face instruction to online platforms can be challenging, particularly when it comes to navigating new technology. These resources are meant to guide faculty and staff through the transition to virtual learning by providing training on the learning tools available at UW–Madison. There are also resources to supply ongoing support and aid in technology troubleshooting. Be sure to also check out our Online Learning Best Practices page for tips on the practical application of these tools.
Just In Time
These Just In Time resources are ideal if you only have a couple of minutes to start finding out about Online Learning Tools.
Tips & Tricks: Teachers Educating on Zoom (PDF)
Source: Educating Over Zoom
This tip sheet from Zoom provides quick tips for teachers educating on Zoom.
Additional Resources:
- Zoom Training Information
A limited number of meetings training and transforming your teaching training for Zoom are available. - Intro to Microsoft Teams
This video provides a quick orientation of the left-hand navigation panel of Microsoft Teams. - Webex – Joining, Start, Share (PDF)
A short guide to both joining and hosting Webex Meetings. - Google Hangouts Meet Join a Meeting How to (Video)
How to join Google Hangouts Meet from various devices. - Why Adobe Connect?
An overview of the functions that set Adobe Connect apart from other web-conferencing software.
Deeper Dive
If you have more time to invest, these Deeper Dive resources are longer and/or more in depth so you can gain a deeper understanding of Online Learning Tools.
Remote Working and Learning – Tools to Access Campus Resources Remotely
From the UW–Madison Knowledgebase, this page provides a list of resources to secure your remote connection as well as tools to work with students and peers remotely.
UW–Madison provides access to a number of web conferencing tools for faculty, staff and students. Five of these tools include Google Hangouts Meet, Cisco Webex Meetings, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Connect, and Zoom. This document explains and compares the features of each platform.
Zoom Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic- Resources
Comprehensive resource page for Zoom. Includes links to tips and tricks for Ensuring Privacy and Security, Educating Over Zoom, Effective Remote Working, Hosting Virtual Events, and Telehealth.
Webex Meetings: Getting Started
Everything you need to know about Webex meetings for online learning and remote work. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for scheduling a meeting, using the software, and recording content. It also provides links to training sessions.
Microsoft Teams Video Training
Microsoft’s guide to using Microsoft Teams. A comprehensive resource that covers topics from setting up and customizing your team to exploring apps and tools.
UW–Madison G Suite- Getting Started with Google Hangouts Meet
This guide explains how to access Google Meet with NetID credentials. It also provides resources for learning the basics and collaborating, as well as training videos and cheat sheets.
This page provides resources for faculty and staff describing how to use Canvas. It includes guidance for both credit-based and non-credit courses. Be sure to check out the Support and Training link on this page.
Kaltura MediaSpace is a platform to host and deliver educational material. This site provides everything you need to know about creating videos, uploading files and integrating material with Canvas.
Library-Remote Access to Library Resources
Through screen captures and explanations, this site provides answers to frequently encountered problems when trying to access library resources remotely. It is important to note that even users connected via WiscVPN still need to log in via EZProxy to access resources.
COVID-19: Special Access to Online Resources
A list of books, journals and databases that are temporarily available at Ebling Library as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These tools are also options for remote conferencing; however, as a result of FERPA and HIPAA, they are not recommended for instruction at UW–Madison. Other institutions or projects outside of UW–Madison’s digital environment may require you to use some of these platforms or tools.
Microsoft’s guide to using Skype. A comprehensive resource covering topics from getting started and calling to troubleshooting.
Getting Started Guide-Blue Jeans Meeting
This guide provides step-by-step instructions with screenshots to explain account settings, scheduling meetings, joining meetings and managing meetings.