APPS Remote Collaboration
Google Apps
Google Hangout
Github
Zoom
Padlet
How it can be used
Trello can be used to create Kanban style boards for group work. Users are able to create bespoke categories and add and move notes added to these. ‘Power-ups’ can also be downloaded, adding additional features to the Trello boards, including Google Calendars (mentioned below), and imagery such as ‘gifs’ and popular survey sites such as ‘SurveyMonkey’.
How to get started
Create a Trello account & add users to the board, setting privacy settings where necessary. Start building categories and notes within these, adding additional features where you see fit. Adjust the Trello board as you continue through a project.
Further support
2. Google Apps
How it can be used
Google applications contain a wide variety of collaboration tools, spanning from Google Drive, where shared folders, documents and presentation slides can be added; to Google Calendar where group meetings and Google Hangouts can be organised, for when students are not able to meet up at the same time or for staff to plan Academic Adviser meetings.
How to get started
More examples of Google Apps can be found below, including Google Trips maybe for a student organised trip and Google Duo which could be used for one-to-one meetings between students and staff.
More Google Apps
3. Google Hangout
How it can be used
Google Hangout is a free Google application, which can be used for messaging and video-chatting amongst staff and students. As an alternative to Whatsapp (which requires a mobile number to add contacts and create groups), this application only requires an email address to begin contact. You can also add Google Hangout as a Google Chrome extension, and allow notifications for constant communication between groups and individuals.
How to get started
You can either download the Google Hangout app on your phone or alternatively download the extension quickly from the Google Play store. Alternatively for Sheffield Hallam users you can search for the tool on Blackboard, and login automatically with your SHU credentials (and access the SHU student and staff directory).
Further support and info about more features within GitHub and what you can do with it
4. Zoom
How it can be used
Zoom is an audio and video collaboration tool, wherein students & staff can organise virtual meetings – if they’re based at home or in another location, rather than having to meet face-to-face at the same time. Online video meetings, video webinars (for student or tutor presentations or marketing events for open days) & zoom rooms (collaboration-enabled conference rooms) can all be used within this tool.
How to get started
For meetings which have already been set up, use this link to join:
https://zoom.us/join (entering a meeting ID)
Or to host a meeting, sign up to Zoom https://zoom.us/signup, and follow the ‘Host a Meeting’ link to choose which service you would like to use. There are unlimited free 1 to 1 meetings and up to 40 free mins for group meetings.
How it can be used
At a high level, Padlet is an online tool based around ‘Bulletin Boards’, where creators can invite others to modify or view their boards. Among some of the uses for this tool are; Idea Creation, To-Do Lists, Blogging, Mood Boards and storing ideas in a central location through adding photos, videos, links and attachments. The social feel of this tool is supported by functionality that enables you to create networks with other members, liking people’s posts and create folders.
An example of where this has been used is during our module Developing Strategies for Change where every student contributed to compiling examples of mergers and acquisitions.
How to get started
Signing up to create a Padlet is easy via Google, Facebook and Microsoft accounts (as well as traditional means) and once you’re in, you can begin making boards via the “+ Make a Padlet” button. A wide variety of boards are shown, from templates to blank ones, depending on what the intended use is. The background styles are completely customisable and once this is selected, double click anywhere on the board and begin adding to the board. There is also an option to allow users to rate or comment on posts.
Sharing Padlets can be done from inside the board via the share button, and to see shared padlets return to the home screen and go to the shared sidebar option.
We hope you have found this post useful, and encourage you to add in the comments any other tools you have found helpful for remote collaboration.
Contributors
Students from the SMASH team at Sheffield Hallam University
Jess Paddon – IT with Business Studies – @JessPaddonSHU
Joe Gilbert – BSc IT with Business Studies – @JoeGiIbert
Ola Mazur – BSc IT with Business Studies – @SheffAleksandra
Matthew Trueman – BSc IT with Business Studies – @Matty_Trueman
Image credit: Harry Whitaker – BSc Graphic Design (image used with permission)