Corona: Digital Tools for Online Events – A Collection of Tools
In this post, we present results from our community survey: A digital toolset for online events. Do you also have experiences you would like to share? Take part in the survey now. We are continuously expanding this article. Do you see anything differently? Have you discovered an error? Do you have anything to add? Feel free to use the comment function below the article.
Last update on 24.11.2020
Important: If necessary, please coordinate the use of a tool with your data protection officer(s). This article cannot provide an overview of legal provisions. Therefore, inform yourself carefully before you actively use a tool.
In the following, we will show you many tools – but how do I didactize teaching offers well and design interactive events? For a first orientation we recommend our page The First Time Teaching Online and for further didactic guidelines and tips our link collection Didactic Guidelines and Tips for Online Teaching. We also recommend our overview article on various teaching scenarios with the appropriate tools.
![04_digitale_tools-1000x661](https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/04_digitale_tools-1000x661-1.jpeg)
Which tools are suitable for my learning scenarios? Image: Simon Hattinga Verschure
Tool Collection
In addition to the top six tools highlighted below, there are numerous others that our community recommends. The combination with other apps is also popular. Real-time polls are also popular, or tools that allow interaction with the virtual audience in other ways. Feel free to add to this collection of tools for online events by taking the survey now as well. We regularly expand this list. It is also worth taking a look at our research results on Special licenses of education tools.
Jitsi - Jitsi is a Free/Libre open source software. The application runs in the most popular web browsers without installation. Scalable for educational institutions (see City of Munich) WebEx - video conferencing solutions and screen sharing features, currently free offer due to Corona epidemic with up to 100 TN per video conference. DFN - The Conference Service in the German Research Network (supports not only Adobe Connect, but also Pexip) Wonder - A virtual space for meetings and conversations that relies on interactions between TN, via a map TN can choose or initiate different group conversations themselves. Click Meeting - tool for webinars; free for 30 days and up to 25 participants Irooms - digital sessions in open space format (barcamps) Twitch - live streaming portal for video games - "continuous interactivity through chat with project managers as well as exchange among participants during the entire workshop, chat only in written form". Blackboard - real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard for interaction Hopin - An online event platform that combines most of the event tools: Reception, Main Stage, (Breakout) Sessions, Live Streams, "Chat Roulette" for Networking incl. Opportunity to exchange digital business cards, digital marketplace with "Exhibiton Booths", registration. 8x8 - free video conferencing tool used in HFD team for internal meetings. Ordering the speeches by digital show of hands works well. Needs a stable internet connection. Barcamptools by Camper - a free open-source offer for the organization of barcamps - In the frontend even barrier-free! VoxR - servers are located in Germany & DSGVO compliant. Up to 20 participants free of charge, in the paid version up to 1000 people. Includes common interaction tools (see below) Meetyoo by ubivent - digital events, teleconferences & web conferences - several 1000 participants possible Eyes on - Browser-based tool with multiple meeting rooms and is designed to work even with low bandwidth YuLinc - server in Germany, community praises good support service and intuitive usability Blizz - online conferencing service from the German company Team Viewer, used in the community with additional screen tablet. alfaview - DSGVO-compliant and server in Germany/EU, among others in use at the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg. vitero - server of the web conferencing tool is in Germany. Includes various integrated tools for collaboration.
Kialo - Platform for online discussions and collaborative debates Adhocracy - structuring democratic, collaborative voting and for co-determination Wooclap - Tool for interactive real-time surveys Pidgeon Hole - Event planning and live Q&A, surveys, polls, workspace. Mentimeter - Real-Time Surveys Slido - Real-Time Surveys Mural - collaborative design of mind maps and data collections, free for educational use Drawpile - open source program for collaborative drawing and sketching VOXR - Tool for surveys, word clouds, results from world cafés and workshops, free of charge up to 20 participants Kialo-Edu - discussion platform for structured discussions and essays Tscheck.in - Questions to warm up or get to know. Daresay - questions to warm up or get to know each other.
HackMD - Team Workspace - collaboration tool with features like book, slides, notes and text editor Padlet - Workspace with focus on appealing design Slack - Chat-based communication within workgroups & for sharing files. Open source alternative that is also used by the HFD community: Mattermost. Riot - Chat based communication with focus on encryption, free software Discord - communication tool from the gaming scene, also used at the university for chats and video exchange HumHub - Open source social network similar to Facebook that includes features such as calendar, wiki and polls. Keybase.io - encrypted, open source chat and cloud storage, Hangouts can be integrated. Future is uncertain as it has been bought out by Zoom.
Moodle - THE learning platform. This infographic on the didactic use of Moodle is interesting, which can be partially applied to the university context. STUD.IP - Study-accompanying portal for classroom teaching, a campus and learning management system for the integration of external systems and applications ILIAS - Open Source E-Learning Platform OpenOLAT - Open Source Learning Management System, on current occasion there are didactic tips and general recommendations for the use of OpenOLAT. OpenedX - Open source platform, mainly for MOOCs, but also adaptable as a learning environment. Polarstern Education, for example, has experience in this.
Etherpad - web-based text editor for collaborative text editing (open source license) Sciflow - collaborative writing, enhancing and formatting of scientific texts Overleaf - collaborative editor for LaTeX, many layouts available, e.g. for exercises or posters Drawpile - collaborative drawing program that allows multiple users to sketch simultaneously on the same canvas (Free Software). CryptPad - popular office, project management, and presentation tools, encrypted and under open source license Miro - Collaborative work like with a whiteboard or moderation board. Collaboratively create, link, and sort notes.
Camtasia - record screencasts, optionally with webcam and sound, and edit the videos Snagit - cheaper alternative to Camtasia from the same manufacturer; besides screencasts also suitable for prepared screenshots and instructions Loom - recording of screencasts, optionally with webcam, additional editing of the videos possible (e.g. interaction). Free educational application. Studio.Opencast - recording screencasts as video, optionally with sound. Recording in the browser possible. Video can then be downloaded or posted to the institutional opencast area. This open source platform is used to manage and share videos. A map shows widespread use at German universities. Open Broadcaster Software - open source tool for live streams and screencast videos, allows various transitions between views.
Team Viewer - remote access and support, screen sharing. (Creatively repurposed for workshop) Second Life - online 3D infrastructure for user-designed virtual worlds with personal avatars (for conferences)
GitHub Classroom - complement to GitHub for exam performance, group work, and small-scale feedback in programming. Medical didactics OER - different learning scenarios will be presented, digital exam formats and CoolTools. Mathmax - digital math trainer with exercises, sample solutions and theory, developed by students and constantly extended DHVLab - Open source learning environment for skills in the field of Digital Humanities, operation and support by LMU Munich.
Jitsi - Jitsi is a Free/Libre open source software. The application runs in the most popular web browsers without installation. Scalable for educational institutions (see City of Munich) WebEx - video conferencing solutions and screen sharing features, currently free offer due to Corona epidemic with up to 100 TN per video conference. DFN - The Conference Service in the German Research Network (supports not only Adobe Connect, but also Pexip) Wonder - A virtual space for meetings and conversations that relies on interactions between TN, via a map TN can choose or initiate different group conversations themselves. Click Meeting - tool for webinars; free for 30 days and up to 25 participants Irooms - digital sessions in open space format (barcamps) Twitch - live streaming portal for video games - "continuous interactivity through chat with project managers as well as exchange among participants during the entire workshop, chat only in written form". Blackboard - real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard for interaction Hopin - An online event platform that combines most of the event tools: Reception, Main Stage, (Breakout) Sessions, Live Streams, "Chat Roulette" for Networking incl. Opportunity to exchange digital business cards, digital marketplace with "Exhibiton Booths", registration. 8x8 - free video conferencing tool used in HFD team for internal meetings. Ordering the speeches by digital show of hands works well. Needs a stable internet connection. Barcamptools by Camper - a free open-source offer for the organization of barcamps - In the frontend even barrier-free! VoxR - servers are located in Germany & DSGVO compliant. Up to 20 participants free of charge, in the paid version up to 1000 people. Includes common interaction tools (see below) Meetyoo by ubivent - digital events, teleconferences & web conferences - several 1000 participants possible Eyes on - Browser-based tool with multiple meeting rooms and is designed to work even with low bandwidth YuLinc - server in Germany, community praises good support service and intuitive usability Blizz - online conferencing service from the German company Team Viewer, used in the community with additional screen tablet. alfaview - DSGVO-compliant and server in Germany/EU, among others in use at the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg. vitero - server of the web conferencing tool is in Germany. Includes various integrated tools for collaboration.
Tools Collection – Recommendations from the HFD Community
![Yellow Startup Business Presentation-1000x563](https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Yellow-Startup-Business-Presentation-1000x563-1.png)
These are the tools the HFD community recommends for use in online events.
We asked our community: Which tools work well? What do you recommend – and what don’t you recommend? It showed: an overwhelming majority use Adobe Connect. GoToMeeting, Zoom, Hangout and Microsoft Teams are also popular. Open source fans recommend BigBlueButton. So far, these digital tools are mainly used for conferences, workshops, discussions and lectures.
We present the six most popular tools from our survey in detail and then mention the numerous other programs and options that our community recommends. This diversity may seem overwhelming at first. But in times when people from all areas of society fall back on these tools and services, which can overload the servers, it’s good to know alternatives. We are constantly expanding this collection – and with your input.
1. Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is a web conferencing tool. Video conferencing is well suited for conducting meetings and training sessions with geographically dispersed users. With Adobe Connect, in addition to streaming audio and video, you can view your desktop for other participants and upload your own files for the meeting.
Suitable for: Lecture, discussion, workshop, e-learning. Webinars, virtual office hours & meetings, audio/video conferences for up to 200 participants (this is the TN number from DFN, more are possible here after consultation), conferences with various sessions & barcamps, exams. Features: Audio/video multipoint conferencing, shared whiteboard, presentations, archive for presentations, application and desktop sharing (not on Linux), chat, polling , recording , participation via phone, tablet, cell phone possible Prerequisites: Application or retrieval in browser, app for mobile use, headset & webcam Cost: Free of charge via membership in the German Research Network (DFN). Until July 1, 2020, Adobe Connect is offering a free 90-day trial for meeting rooms up to 25 participants. Performance in the crisis: Unfortunately, there are always server problems at the moment. We know from conversations that DFN is working on an expansion. Privacy: Customers install instances on their own servers. Accordingly, the DFN data is located in Germany. Here's what the HFD community has to say about Adobe Connect: This works well: Interaction working together on the whiteboard Lectures with presentation of slides flexible layout for the meeting room Feedback via chat and survey predominantly technical stability suitable for many people This does not work so well: Partly technical difficulties Crash and drop-out, dial-up problems the recording of the meetings is not always reliable Use of the functions is not intuitive for everyone - but the help pages and tutorials offer a good start After 1,200 users, the service ends; there are dropouts at low data transfer speeds, but other providers have solved this problem. Learn more tips and hints about Adobe Connect: "With many participants, the transmission of many images at the same time is difficult, so it is advisable to add rather few web cameras or the sound individually. A moderator in addition to the actual presenter makes sense." (HFD survey) Didactic guidance for using the features from the Adobe Connect DACH Research & Teaching User Group: https://wiki.fernuni-hagen.de/dachadobeconnect/index.php/Hauptseite Short introduction of DFNconf: https://www.conf.dfn.de/anleitungen-und-dokumentation/adobe-connect/kurzanleitung-links/ Setup and tips for implementation by Janine Funke for dghd: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vEZlvc0nHvXto0lfhFEwkJ5Zuj7bxY0XCVHVnooPAls/edit 2. zoom Zoom is easy to use and can be used for location-independent team meetings and short presentations as a web conference. Up to 100 people can participate in the video/audio conference. In the basic version, the meeting duration is limited to 40 minutes. For example, Zoom is a good tool for students & study groups to hold short online meeting. In the debate about more secure and privacy-compliant online tools, there is considerable criticism of Zoom. Therefore, we would like to reiterate our disclaimer at this point: Please coordinate the use of a tool with your data protection officer if necessary. This article cannot provide an overview of legal provisions. Therefore, inform yourself carefully before you actively use a tool.
2. zoom
Zoom is easy to use and can be used for location-independent team meetings and short presentations as a web conference. Up to 100 people can participate in the video/audio conference. In the basic version, the meeting duration is limited to 40 minutes. For example, Zoom is a good tool for students & study groups to hold short online meeting. In the debate about more secure and privacy-compliant online tools, there is considerable criticism of Zoom. Therefore, we would like to reiterate our disclaimer at this point: Please coordinate the use of a tool with your data protection officer if necessary. This article cannot provide an overview of legal provisions. Therefore, inform yourself carefully before you actively use a tool.
Suitable for: Video conferencing, short meetings, lecture, discussion, workshop Features: Audio/video conferencing, chat, screen sharing, collaborative annotation, meeting recording, polls, virtual handshake Prerequisites: Installation of the application on desktop / smartphone, headset and webcam Cost: Free of charge up to 100 participants and limited to 40 min.; beyond that subscriptions for 13.99 € - 18.99 € / month Performance in the crisis: No performance problems are known so far. Privacy: US server. Therefore, Zoom cannot be fully recommended from a data protection point of view, and there is also criticism of the application's data grabbing. Some universities (e.g. the University of Kassel) therefore advise against using Zoom. Here's what the HFD community has to say about Zoom: This works well: Presentation for smaller groups and interactive meetings (discussion) fixed URL for meeting - usability Muting of participants by default - no noise at the beginning This does not work so well: longer meetings only via Pro subscription without app or add-in technical difficulties may occur View different for participants Tips & further hints for use: "What surprised me in a positive way was the shift to a strong content focus." (HFD survey) Tips for online events in the Zoom blog: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/04/best-practices-for-hosting-a-digital-event/ "A few simple tips for better online meetings (COVID-19 edition) the MIT Media Lab has tips for setting up Hangouts and Zoom: https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/a-few-simple-tips-for-better-online-meetings-covid-19-edition/
3. goToMeeting
Gotomeeting is a software package for online meetings, desktop sharing and video conferencing. GoToMeeting is designed to share the project manager’s desktop view with others.
Suitable for: Video conferences and webinars up to 250 participants, lecture Features: Audio / video conferencing, screen sharing, chat, meeting recording, integrated appointment calendar Prerequisites: mobile app / link in browser, headset & webcam, stable internet connection Cost: 14-day free trial with up to 250 participants; in response to Corona, there is an Emergency Kit, among others for educational institutions, with which the various applications can be used free of charge for up to 3 months. Otherwise depending on version 10,75 € - 14,33 € / month This is what our community says about GoToMeeting: This works well: runs stable - problems only with poor internet connection Simple operation, self-explanatory This does not work so well: no real chat (moderated and activated by project manager) Tips for use: "For the GotoWebinar, there should definitely be another person besides the project manager to oversee the written questions, chats or hand signals of the participants. In GotoWebinar, there is a clear division of roles between project managers and listeners." Performance in the crisis: No performance problems are known so far. Privacy: US server. Therefore, GoToMeeting cannot be unreservedly recommended from a data protection perspective.
4. google hangouts / google meet
Google Hangouts offers real-time collaboration in video chat while editing content in a Google Doc, for example. Google Hangouts can be used for video conferencing, web meetings, webinars as well as online courses.
Suitable for: Video conferencing with up to 25 people (Hangouts) / with up to 250 people or live streaming for up to 100,000 people (Meet) Features: Audio/video multipoint conferencing, subtitles, chat Prerequisites: App for mobile use / suitable browser, G-Suite account for creating a meeting, headset and camera. Cost: Free use of Hangouts until June 2020 for G Suite customers, G Suite is free for NPOs or with per-user subscription pricing Performance in the crisis: No performance problems Privacy: US server. Therefore, Google Meet cannot be unreservedly recommended from a data protection point of view. Here's what our community has to say about Google Hangout/ Google Meet: This works well: Invitation and participation to the meeting via Google Calendar This does not work so well: additional tool for written exchange and coordination (e.g. Slack) is useful Tips and further hints At the Youtube channel G-Suite there is a short introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkvig0i_kI8&list=PLU8ezI8GYqs7tAIAv9qFoYM7F02L251Ai&index=13&t=0s "A few simple tips for better online meetings (COVID-19 edition) the MIT Media Lab has tips for setting up Hangouts and Zoom: https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/a-few-simple-tips-for-better-online-meetings-covid-19-edition/ The FU Berlin provides tips and advice on using Google Hangout: https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/ideenbar/2016/01/28/google-hangouts-starterhilfe/
5. MS Teams
Microsoft Teams is a platform that combines chat, meetings & conferences, notes and attachments. The service is integrated into the Office 365 Office suite. In classroom mode, tasks can be distributed to the participants. In live mode, conferences with 10,000 participants are possible. For educational institutions, the online version of Office 365 including MS Teams is currently free to use.
Suitable for: Conference with various sessions, lecture, workshop, meetings, work in & coordination of project groups, BarCamp. Features: Scheduling help, notes, desktop sharing, recording, chat, share system audio (sounds of the desktop are transmitted, handy for videos). Prerequisites: Headset and webcam, Office 365 - External guest access possible Cost: For the trial version 0€. Otherwise 10,50€ - 19,70€. Because of COVID19 the trial version was extended to half a year. Performance in the crisis: No performance problems Privacy: Microsoft guarantees storage on servers located in Germany. Accordingly, there are limited data protection concerns. Here's what our community thinks about teams: This works well: many participants Chat, deposit documents MS Office has/can almost everyone Transmission of image and sound, presentations and chat works well This does not work so well: The use of Microsoft Cloud for Teams and OneNote is not allowed for official use at some universities. Tips and comments: "The usability is pretty good. The tool is almost self-explanatory and contains all the important functions. The integration of external apps (such as Trello) is great. Licenses are already included for universities in the Office365 packages. Video telephony is based on Skype, which was purchased by MS. In the near future, all MS products will be distributed via Teams, including the Office products. The trend is towards software-as-a-service and away from individual installations. Teams will therefore become the central platform for MS in the future, so that technical support and good quality can probably still be expected. Data protection is (still) questionable. MS now says it has opened data centers in Germany. Best to have DPO check." (HFD Survey)
6. bigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is an open source developed web conferencing system and intended for use in digital learning environments. This is evident in the interactive features such as collaborative whiteboard, polls, chat and breakout rooms, as well as the potential integration with many learning management systems. The only challenge: installation and initial setup on your own servers are complex.
Suitable for: Conference with various sessions, lecture, workshop, meetings, work in & coordination of project groups, BarCamp. Features: Scheduling help, notes, desktop sharing, recording, chat, share system audio (sounds of the desktop are transmitted, handy for videos). Prerequisites: Headset and webcam, Office 365 - External guest access possible Cost: For the trial version 0€. Otherwise 10,50€ - 19,70€. Because of COVID19 the trial version was extended to half a year. Performance in the crisis: No performance problems Privacy: Microsoft guarantees storage on servers located in Germany. Accordingly, there are limited data protection concerns. Here's what our community thinks about teams: This works well: many participants Chat, deposit documents MS Office has/can almost everyone Transmission of image and sound, presentations and chat works well This does not work so well: The use of Microsoft Cloud for Teams and OneNote is not allowed for official use at some universities. Tips and comments: "The usability is pretty good. The tool is almost self-explanatory and contains all the important functions. The integration of external apps (such as Trello) is great. Licenses are already included for universities in the Office365 packages. Video telephony is based on Skype, which was purchased by MS. In the near future, all MS products will be distributed via Teams, including the Office products. The trend is towards software-as-a-service and away from individual installations. Teams will therefore become the central platform for MS in the future, so that technical support and good quality can probably still be expected. Data protection is (still) questionable. MS now says it has opened data centers in Germany. Best to have DPO check." (HFD Survey)
Suitable for:
Lecture/lecture, office hours, working group, webinar, discussion, workshop.
Features:
Video streaming, video chat, screen sharing, collaborative whiteboard, breakout rooms for group work, polls, emojis.
Prerequisites:
Browser for use, own server(s) for installation, headset and webcam
Cost:
Since it is an open source application, there are no licensing costs. However, costs may be incurred for the operation of your own server.
Performance in the crisis:
Depends on server capacity. Many concurrent sessions may require reducing them to fewer participants.
Privacy:
Since the application is hosted on its own servers, its use is harmless from a data protection perspective.
What our community thinks about BigBlueButton
This works well:
- Video transmission and webinar mode
- “Interactive teaching and learning in small groups with virtual whiteboard”.
- “Works across operating systems, without Flash, without Java, without local installation, Very good integration with Moodle (recordings are stored directly in the course), but can also be used “stand-alone” with the help of the GreenLight extension. IP phone connection for all cases, also runs “out of the box” on iPad, iPhone and Android.” (HFD Community)
This works well not so well:
- “You have to run the server yourself and you need very good IT expertise in-house. It’s certainly one of the services here that requires the most knowledge about real-time communications, message latencies, firewalls, ports, UDP, SIP, WebRTC, STUN/TURN.” (HFD Community)
Tips and hints:
- For a small scale application you should expect 1-2 person weeks to set up the system, for larger structures it can take up to 8 person weeks. (HFD Community)
- “If existing seminars are suddenly to be broadcast online, room acoustics and robust network connectivity are often a problem. This is where IT needs to be involved. Ideally, you put these events in rooms where the technology has already been tested.” (HFD Community)
- The demo server makes it possible to test the functions independently of your own installation, e.g. setting up and testing rooms for online meetings (however, different data protection regulations apply to the server).
- Danube University Krems has compiled a wiki describing important functions (last update: 2013).
More tools collections
We are not the only ones who have published a collection of tools. With this list of links, we are happy to share existing, valuable resources.
- What digital tools help with distance learning? A collection of the Digital.Learning.Lab of the Institute for Technical Education and University Didactics Hamburg.
- The Bildungsserver Berlin Brandenburg has compiled a collection of low-threshold digital tools for teachers.
- The Digital Free Swimmer has collected online tools for teaching and clustered them for different teaching scenarios.
Sustainability and data protection
- Digitization and sustainability also for tools? This is what Bits & Trees stands for – with extensive free software toollist and further information about the sustainability change
- Digitalcourage e.V. has compiled a privacy-friendly tool list for the home office and provides general tips on digital self-defense against tracking & co.
Videoconferencing and online meetings
Comments
OpenOlat
Little thought given to sustainability…
Here are a few tools that can be used at low cost because they are open source:
- For managing and distributing academic video, Opencast[https://opencast.org] is excellent. This can also be easily integrated into LMSs such as Moodle or Stud.IP.
- Opencast Studio[https://studio.opencast.org or also integrated from Opencast 8.2] is a self-recording tool which runs in the browser of the lecturer(s). Relieves infrastructure, no extra tools need to be installed and is safe from a data protection point of view. Integration with Opencast is given, but it can also be used stand-alone and the recordings can be stored locally and then shared
- BigBlueButton[https://bigbluebutton.org/] is an online lecture/web conferencing tool. Designed primarily to hold lectures, it copes quite well with many participants. Sessions can also be recorded if required.
Data protection and legal requirements science/(high)school
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Permanent link Saved by Isabel Zorn (not verified) on/around Mon, 3/16/2020 – 9:05am
With all the tool collections on display at such a prestigious forum that makes a certain claim, there should be a “privacy” and “suitability for scientific work and teaching” section.
Justification:
There are many tool collections on the Internet, you can hardly save yourself from them.
There are also many (e.g., many a euphoric American tools collection) who do not care at all about data privacy at universities.
So we shouldn’t create another one like that here.
What is urgently needed is clear information about which tool can legally be used in universities, schools and in science.
The least I would suggest is to introduce the rubric and put a question mark if the point is unresolved. But not to pretend that all the tools suggested above are actually suitable for our purposes.
Learner data in particular is highly sensitive and must not be passed on to data collectors (Google Hangout) under any circumstances. Obtaining “consent” under duress (“otherwise you cannot participate in our seminar”) is not legally consent. So it is necessary to really use a secure tool.
The same is true when we discuss research. Passing on research internals or even the contents of empirical studies with people (interview partners) to Microsoft via Skype is not permitted.
Universities, as the highest educational institutions in a society, should therefore be role models and provide researchers and teachers with knowledge and tools on how to communicate safely. And not “kind of” do it the same way less savvy individuals do it in their everyday lives by just using anything “handy” (Skype, Slack, etc.).
Universities can use Adobe Connect secure access or DFN conferencing service from DFN for video conferencing. Capacities should be expanded here and secure tools should also be offered for other applications. (For panepidemic times, server capacities should be ramped up quickly here! But handling data insecurely or accustoming learners to insecure tools in panepidemic times should be taboo. We must remain true to our principles on data protection, research data protection, privacy, compliance with the law in the university.
With kind regards
Isabel wrath
Dear Ms. Zorn,
Dear Ms. Zorn,
Thank you for your critical contribution. The topic of data protection is at least included in the long descriptions. But there are also uncertainties here: At least some data protection experts agree that the paid version of Google Suite complies with data protection laws, while others take a more critical view. The situation is similar at Microsoft.
This article is intended for organizers of all types of events. From seminars to privately organized conferences. Therefore, we find it legitimate to mention frequently used tools accordingly.
Kind regards
Sebastian Horndasch
Recommendation: Distinguish between “free” and “proprietary”!
Dear Mr. Horndasch,
> This article is intended for organizers of all types of events.
that may be, but the site hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de already has a specific target group according to its name – and I assume this is the public education sector. From this point of view, I find the current overview, with its predominantly proprietary solutions and services, extremely questionable, as it contributes to keeping users in the general public’s mind. pandemic insecurity (further) into dependence on IT corporations, and that’s not just a privacy issue, it’s an educational one.
> Therefore, we find it legitimate to mention frequently used tools accordingly.
Should that be an argument? From this point of view, one could also refer to WhatsApp, which is also a sad standard at schools. There is no need for further recommendations for solutions that everyone knows about or for which the respective providers themselves are already lobbying far too successfully and which, when viewed in the light of day, are extremely negative for free, digital educational spaces in the long term. What is needed are pedagogically valuable recommendations that are hardly noticed due to the advertising power of the large corporations.
My urgent advice: take a quarter of an hour with the editorial team, watch the entertaining video together at https://publiccode.eu and then at least revise their list so that free prominent solutions are listed and proprietary ones only where there really is no alternative to them. The Free Software Foundation Europe currently compiles a corresponding list at [1], from which you are welcome to help yourself. DigitalCourage ‘s recommendations at [2] are also certainly worth reading in this context. Both institutions will certainly be happy to advise on any queries (that’s what they were created for).
With kind regards
Roland Hummel
https://hu.berlin/gnuHU/ – a stud. Initiative for free, digital-sustainable education spaces
[1] https://wiki.fsfe.org/Activities/FreeSoftware4RemoteWorking
[2] https://digitalcourage.de/blog/2020/schule-geschlossen-dezentraler-unter…
Data protection already in the short version
I find Ms. Zorn’s comment extremely helpful. Perhaps a brief reference to data protection should also be included in the short version and one line more in the long version. Ex. Zoom is being purchased by many right now, according to my impression. During installation, one is informed that the data will be collected from my computer, so to speak – not very confidence-inspiring.
I’ve been looking here in particular for tools from exactly this point of view, namely, what about data security. And there I would be pleased as not so technik-affin also about 2 things: 1. quick assessment at first glance (a coding with + and – or arrow up, down) and then something more precise info, so available (what is collected how and where stored). This is a challenging request, but as Ms. Zorn says, link lists abound. This aspect seems to me to be very relevant for our own, but also for the protection of the students.
I would be very grateful!
Exactly my opinion
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Permanent link Saved by Robert Patzke (not verified) on/around Thu, 3/19/2020 – 8:50am
I would even like to go one step further and call for a kind of culture of critical use of digital tools. As an engineer, I see it as a personal demand on myself (and on my colleagues) to also take a look behind the scenes in the theater. Surely it cannot be the case that our current process of broad-based digitization in society is limited to the operation of preset devices and preconfigured software that make things as “easy and convenient” as possible for me.
In this context, I am an ardent supporter of “open source”. Not because this software is better than commercial offers, often it is even more bulky and expects greater technical know-how from the user. But that is exactly the (right) claim, digitization of society also means learning, learning and learning. But what distinguishes “open source” above all is transparency. There are no hidden backdoors or spy modules that report my activities to some ominous server.
I see our current Corona crisis as a very big opportunity to take a big step forward on the topic of “digitalization” and to build up (critical) know-how.
With kind regards
Robert Patzke
Dear Mr. Patzke,
Dear Mr. Patzke,
the HFD has long been a proponent of open and free software solutions. In this respect, we are completely with you in terms of mindset. At the same time, like so many others, I am currently in crisis mode and realize that we also have to act pragmatically in this overall situation. This is an area of tension that cannot be explained away. We have therefore made the decision to name, in a non-judgmental way, the tools that our community members tell us about. I count on your understanding for this.
With best regards
Sebastian Horndasch
Camtasia Alternative
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Permanent link Saved by Felix Heinemann (not verified) on/around Mon, 16.3.2020 – 10:44
Good day,
a good alternative for quick simple screencasts is also Snagit (same manufacturer as Camtasia: TechSmith). Costs less, and therefore perhaps currently sufficient in many cases.
TechSmith is currently distributing temporary free licenses for Snagit (though it’s unclear who is being contacted – the download links are specifically created and can’t just be shared).
Many greetings
Felix Heinemann
DISCORD
To conduct lectures online I would like to mention the free platform DISCORD.
Have had very good experience with it myself in the HS environment …
Don’t be alarmed that this is a platform for gamers. The tool is very well made and delivers good voice, chat and video functionalities!
Please don’t!
Dear Mr. Herzog,
> To conduct lectures online I would like to mention the free platform DISCORD.
Have had very good experience with it myself in the HS environment …
please do *not* use Discord for teaching! In doing so, they contribute to moving the education sector into proprietary/unfree and centralized cloud structures – even more so outside the scope of the General Data Protection Regulation. Billdungspolitisch the problem becomes clear if you watch the entertaining video at https://publiccode.eu/.
There are enough free collaboration messengers that allow civic autonomy here without sacrificing convenience. My recommendation: Use the free, federated communication network “Matrix” [1] with the app/client “Riot”: https://riot.im/
Advantage: There is no “vendor lock-in” – your educational institution can purchase a privacy-compliant offering here or host it itself if required.
With kind regards
Roland Hummel
https://hu.berlin/gnuHU/
Tool variance
Good overview of the wide range of options.
But we should also remember who our customers are …. -> the students.
Now if every teacher uses a different tool, I don’t want to be a student anymore. Because then I may deal with x different tools 🙁
Therefore, the university should find workable uniform solutions as soon as possible.
Variance – also in customer focus
Dear Mr. Rauterberg,
I find your advice very valuable and wish it to Corona as well. When I studied, for example, not so many people asked themselves this question noticeably (and also in retrospect). It was a different time: various “tools” were also on the agenda back then…blackboard, overhead projector, beamer, free speech, reading aloud from (one’s own) book…everything very front-heavy. However, that was still the smaller ‘problem’ with the missing “customer focus” for learning with joy + curiosity. Note: And for sure, no one left this out on purpose or meant it badly.
It is indeed just the case that students (and everyone else at universities too) (have to) get involved with different tools in the short term, or better yet suddenly/finally – your post on customer orientation just inspired me to think about this. It can be an opportunity: for example, most tools of a ‘kind’ are quite similar in structure. Some a little more intuitive than others. Now, I think it would be quite valuable to address the possible system overload or at least the system diversity. In the college as well as with students. It does something to us humans. Possibly also as a “synonym”/slash template for change in the VUCA world?! I’ve noticed that some of my colleagues are eager to embrace or celebrate digitization, while others are somewhat reluctant to ‘hold on’ to the tools they’ve already implemented. As with students. Thus, while reading your post, the impulse came to me that our own handling of such changes also plays an important role. How do you see it?
In any case, thank you very much for your impetus for a different perspective on the multi-faceted customer orientation in teaching.
A healthy WoEn to you all and an exciting virtual apprenticeship
Sonja Johanna Döring
Privacy
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Permanent link Saved by Michael Holzhüter (not verified) on/around Wed, 3/18/2020 – 10:18am
Good day,
the website is eagerly shared and teachers read from the website that tools like Zoom may be used just like that. It’s nice that you do a listing like this, but without privacy notices, it’s just counterproductive. Except for DFN’s capabilities, no solutions that are not self-hosted are privacy-compliant and, accordingly, cannot be used. The use constitutes a data protection breach.
They themselves give the indication that some solutions are controversial. Surely this should give you the hint that the solutions are not to be used.
Stay Healthy (and also compliant with data protection). 🙂
Dear Mr. Holzhüter,
Dear Mr. Holzhüter,
thank you for your comment. We included the data protection aspect from the very beginning. Did you miss that or are you concerned that we go into more detail on that? Here we would be very pleased to receive a constructive proposal.
In general, we do not want to “endorse” any tool with the list. However, we see that many tools are currently used pragmatically. There is also some controversy as to whether solutions comply with data protection regulations or not. We don’t want to play the referee.
With best regards
Sebastian Horndasch for the Hochschulforum Digitalsierung
Dear Mr. Holzhüter,
Dear Mr. Horndasch,
unfortunately I can’t see any privacy rating in this article. Only tools that can be used are listed here and that is wrong. Teachers can use tools that are also approved for teaching at the respective institution. Using tools for which there is neither an entry in the register of processing activities, nor technical and organizational measures have been designed, and furthermore there is no contract for commissioned processing with the institution, is simply not allowed. There is no pragmatic solution to this either. The pragmatic solution would be to use tools that are available and not “we can just use this and then see.”
It’s great that the site is so quick to provide tips and tricks for teachers, but please make sure that these three things are done at your institution before using the tools.
In addition, we are currently seeing in the press to Zoom that this tool is not only not suitable for use in teaching, but in principle may not be used in the free variant.
Many greetings
Michael Holzhüter
Dear Mr. Holzhütter,
Dear Mr. Holzhütter,
sorry for the late reply: I have become a father in the meantime and was with my family for three weeks. Today is my first day back at the desk.
To your point, I’m a little puzzled. If you unfold “More info”, you will find information on data protection. And that was the case from the very beginning.
However, I think your comment makes a lot of sense. I ask the team to expand that accordingly.
Best regards!
Video conferencing
Dear colleagues,
Online event formats via video conferencing are so important for students. The exchange face-to-face is not possible in any other way. I understand privacy concerns. In my opinion, the existing capacities, such as DFN or MS Teams, are not sufficient.
The Hochschulforum listing should recommend not only accessible tools, but also secure ones!
Many greetings
Stephan Weiland
Tool collection
– Jitsi Meet (video/audio conferencing)
– Etherpads (collaborative texting)
– Cryptpad (collaborative texting, presenting, coding…)
– XMPP (“Jabber”; chat, (video) telephony, file sharing, interoperable messenger)
Free access’ for students: ivicos (video + i-workspace)
Without commercial interest – since this is offered free to students (even after the beta phase) – ivivos is mentioned here for completeness. A secure EU solution for collaboration of teams (working groups in unis) that want to achieve results together. The possibility to start a videoconference is integrated as well as research and structuring functions. As a result, a structured summary is then generated from the creative work. ivicos is already made available in the beta phase to contribute to distance preservation. https://ivicos.eu
Promote existing (non-commercial) tools of the universities!
Dear HfD Team,
I think it’s good and important to be aware of the possibilities of digital
Opportunities for communication and collaboration — especially at this
Crisis time — to exchange.
But what I find alarming is to *not* rely on the tools now.
that the universities *of their own accord* already offer:
– Portals and learning platforms such as Stud.IP
– Uni cloud storage
– internal (video) conferencing systems
– Instant messaging via XMPP (“Jabber”)
I would particularly like to advise against the now “given away”
Free tools that are actually chargeable, because that is
Ultimately, nothing more than a promotional campaign, which, after the crisis
should pay off:
People have had experiences with the product, the contents and
Contacts, channels and networks are already on the service — why then
not stay there?
And poof, there are universities as subscribers to a service that
they also participate themselves with much less regular costs in the
own university could realize.
At a time when we have had years of encroaching surveillance by states
monopoly positions and private data collection from
corporations, immense costs of closed software and closed
systems… do we really want to use the same systems again in a crisis?
Making mistakes just because time is short?
I think it should be a time for trial and error:
– Is a protocol like XMPP (“Jabber”) an alternative to Whatsapp
and other messengers, which we at a university now have in a
can try out on a larger scale?
– Instead of videoconferences at fixed times, don’t we need asynchronous
Support through presentations by instructors set to music?
– Can we legally secure documents and clouds at our universities
set up without the involvement of corporations and high-priced
Subscription services?
– Are telephone or voice services (as in the gaming scene for a long time now)
common) not a good complement between text and video telephony?
Can this also be used to hold seminars as telephone conferences with
perform uploaded presentation slides? Is that perhaps
“only” something for group work of students?
– How do we enable campus worlds and external bodies and interested parties to
among other things with such techniques, integrate and our contents
share?
I think it’s time to try — but not from
data-hogging ready-made solutions from companies, but with
Inventory and further development of the university’s own needs
and opportunities that already exist.
Best regards
Justus
P.S.: I just see with some discomfort that the poll on
Google Docs is running. This once again feeds Google instead of a
privacy-friendly survey tool, as is also the case with good
scientific practice is.
It is a pity that in this way another chance is wasted here with good
setting an example.
Now the question arises even more urgently how *serious* the
The aim is to find data protection-friendly solutions in this area.
present, as already affirmed in some comment responses
was.
It should *not* be a matter of predefined “practicable
solutions” — because in the end, this only serves up the ready-made solutions
which are commercially advertised. It’s about being *sustainable
to ensure that scientific, boundary, status, and
Cross-merit collaboration succeeds. In this sense and
further, such as transparency, free software solutions are to be preferred.
At the gender level, we also discuss equal opportunities, after all
— why not in working with our resources?
Many important arguments
Dear Justus,
we agree with many of your arguments. We would like to give more space to your criticism and their input on alternatives. If you are interested in writing, say, your own blog article on open source tools, resource sustainability, internal university tools, or asynchronous teaching, feel free to email me.
With the best regards
Katharina Mahrt
Confusion
Moin,
which software (adobe connect, zoom) may one now use for legal reasons? Is commercial version of zoom allowed?
Sincerely
Bernd Heber
Open Source Tools
Moin,
I also miss a highlighting of the well usable open source tools. Often, there is no reason to switch to platforms like Slack or zoom.
Sincerely
Lifting Open Source Tools
Good morning!
We are happy to respond to this suggestion, and will emphasize open source tools more than we have in the past.
With the best regards
Katharina Mahrt
Handouts/Instructions for Free/Libre/OpenSource Softwa-Tools
In case anyone is looking for/needs ready-made concepts using Free/Libre/OpenSource software tools (seemed to me to be the case in some comments), here are some worked-out concepts:
- Evaluation of free, federated messengers: https://hu.berlin/FreieMessenger
- digital-sustainable public relations using free, federated social networks: https://hu.berlin/SocialMediaFreedom
- A/V conferencing using Free/Libre/OpenSource software: https://hu.berlin/FreieKonferenzen
- Course Concept: Digital Autonomy through Free Software
- Workshop concept: FLOSS workshop
All instructions can be freely used, distributed and modified (also commercially) without consultation under CC BY-SA 4.0 (attribution, modifications under the same license conditions).
Working solutions from universities on the shortlist
Dear fellow students,
interesting are the possible working solutions for digital teaching, which will also possibly differ depending on the faculty.
There are certainly differing views on the data protection conformity of individual solutions, which are acknowledged accordingly. However, this will not be to the pure delight of every data protection officer. There have already been horrified protests in our country. Think relaxed; anyway, our research data runs over the central switches of DFN and all big telcos modified by the “Five-Eyes-Alliance”. So what the heck? Here it is only about feelings, as much as these should be met justifiably.
We are currently evaluating individual tools in terms of data throughput and performance. By the end of next week or shortly after the start of the semester at the latest, we should be smarter and, if necessary, adjust our tools on the fly.
PS: Why does every university have to do its own thing?
Love greetings
Corinna
Stability and usability
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Permanent link Saved by Jens Fortmann (not verified) on/around Wed, 25.3.2020 – 17:45
I am a clear advocate of open source solutions and participate in software environments like moodle, for example, through testing and beta testing. Nevertheless, I am irritated with the half-knowledge with which proprietary tools are sweepingly accused of DGSVO violations.
I partly hear a “free of charge” mentality, others (DFN,…) should “expand their capacities”. Open source is not costless, the development, testing, support and documentation is associated with significant costs. Unfortunately, the willingness of German universities to permanently provide their own positions or funds for the development of open source software is still very limited.
Using students as beta testers for well-intentioned, but in some cases not always fully developed, unstable or insufficiently documented software is not helpful and will not bring them closer to open source software.
Open source software – if financed in the long term – is always the better alternative to proprietary software. However, in order not to scare off lecturers and students, it would be helpful to show which programs have proven themselves in everyday life or have stood the test of time. This would be a real help for those who need to make a timely decision on which software to use.
Tools collection for download
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Permanent link Saved by Marcel Martins (not verified) on/around Thu, 3/26/2020 – 12:36pm
Hello all,
thank you for the valuable contribution! 🙂 I have been looking for such a collection of tools for a long time.
Is there a way to save the tools collection locally in some form (as a download) so that I can archive it? A PDF would already be sufficient.
Many greetings and best thanks
Martin’s
Tip – Save websites locally as pdf
Hello!
As a Firefox user, you can, for example, create pdfs from websites using the “pdf mage” add-on, which even contains the links.
If you can do without links, you can quite pragmatically “print as pdf” websites. That was the point of the question, wasn’t it?
Only two approaches of countless 😉
MfG E. Zim.
Zoom still listed?
Dear Sir or Madam,
Today (2.4.2020), the tool “Zoom” is the subject of coverage on Heise Security. There, some questionable practices from the near past of this software are highlighted. If even in the USA, where data protection is taken less seriously than in this country, the New York Attorney General has questions, this list should not necessarily be used to recommend this software.
The wish to only list software here that can be used at universities in compliance with the GDPR has already been expressed in other comments. I would like to endorse that.
With kind regards
Dirk Krause
Zoom reacts
Dear Sir or Madam,
Today (2.4.2020), the tool “Zoom” is the subject of coverage on Heise Security. There, some questionable practices from the near past of this software are highlighted. If even in the USA, where data protection is taken less seriously than in this country, the New York Attorney General has questions, this list should not necessarily be used to recommend this software.
The wish to only list software here that can be used at universities in compliance with the GDPR has already been expressed in other comments. I would like to endorse that.
With kind regards
Dirk Krause
I also prefer to use Adobe Connect on the DFN server, but I can’t right now. We’ll see what stands up to the usage momentum in the coming weeks.
However, Zoom is responding to the press discussion: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/04/01/a-message-to-our-users/
Is certainly not everything 100% perfect, but you should also be aware of what they have done in recent weeks….
Open source instead of closed source
nverse listing would be more appropriate, especially in the university environment:
Especially in these times away from proprietary solutions.
You do NOT have to host BBB yourself, you CAN. Important difference!
https://www.open-source-company.de/bigbluebutton-hosting/
Here even a special, extra for unis and schools specialized, GDPR compatible hoster in Canada:
https://blindsidenetworks.com/
there are also Open Meetings:
http://openmeetings.apache.org/
https://www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/de/iwm/services/eval/evaluationsberich…
Personally, however, I’m leaning more towards BBB.
To Zoom:
https://www.kuketz-blog.de/zoom-uebermittelt-personenbezogene-daten-an-d…
https://www.heise.de/mac-and-i/meldung/Videokonferenz-Tool-Zoom-Mac-Inst…
https://www.heise.de/security/meldung/Videokonferenz-Software-Ist-Zoom-e…
https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x56.html
I have not had any great experiences with Adobe, who sometimes forget to renew their own certificates ;-).
In principle, GDPR and OpenSource and at least the possibility of self-hosting should be placed at the top.
So please just turn the structure of your page around and reweight it. Comfortable and common is not always = right and smart 😉
In case of need ask Mr. Kuketz https://www.kuketz-blog.de/ or at section1 https://www.sektioneins.de/
The data protection consequences of a hasty decision remain – and the financial ones anyway.
Why data trackers are running in the background of this page, could also be discussed 😉
CanvasBlocker shows attempted readout of screen and domrect and decentraleyes code incection from cloudflare
https://webbkoll.dataskydd.net/de/results?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhochschulforu…
Greetings!
Video conferencing tools
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Permanent link Saved by Helmut (not verified) on/around Sat, 11.4.2020 – 8:38am
Unfortunately, I have noticed for years that only the known tools are mentioned, it seems only copied from another existing list. In addition, all these solutions take place on USA servers. There are providers who offer DSGVO-compliant online meeting servers here in Germany, e.g. in the Frankfurt am Main data center. And I’ve also put together a number of European solutions, because it doesn’t always have to be US software. Organizations are also well advised to rent their own server in the German data center, approx. EUR 30, and to install a software solution from a European provider – virtually the on premise solution hosted in the data center. If you would like to use DSGVO-compliant online meetings with your own server, I will be happy to help you with information on the fahr-telecom website.
Tool for showing DVDs in online seminars wanted
Hello,
who knows how to show a DVD in my online seminar that runs on my computer? Normally I can split my screen without any problems, but the sound doesn’t come across then.
Thank you for your help!
VC and data protection
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Permanent link Saved by Bianca Engelmann (not verified) on/around Tue, 5/5/2020 – 22:52
In terms of data protection and high functionality with easy usability, it would make sense to include YULInc from netucate in the tools collection. Have made very good reliable experience also mehzügig application.
Virtual classroom with breakout rooms, whiteboard sharing, polls link and more for collaborative work that can be integrated in the LMS or used independently, hosted in Germany.
Convincing online meeting program
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Permanent link Saved by Bianca Engelmann (not verified) on/around Tue, 5/5/2020 – 22:52
In terms of data protection and high functionality with easy usability, it would make sense to include YULInc from netucate in the tools collection. Have made very good reliable experience also mehzügig application.
Virtual classroom with breakout rooms, whiteboard sharing, polls link and more for collaborative work that can be integrated in the LMS or used independently, hosted in Germany.
If there is also something different
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Permanent link Saved by guest (not verified) on/around Wed, 26 Aug 2020 – 19:57
If you want something other than Moodle: Chamilo
Barrier-free and data protection: video conferencing tools
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Permanent link Saved by Isabel Zorn (not verified) on/around Mon, 8/31/2020 – 12:08pm
How can web conferences be made barrier-free? Here it is: https://www.bundesfachstelle-barrierefreiheit.de/DE/Praxishilfen/Informa…
The link in it to the page
https://www.bag-selbsthilfe.de/fileadmin/user_upload/_Informationen_fuer…
is the best summary on video conferencing tools for teaching that I know of. Until now I have searched in vain for something like this: A list, on which not only the tools are, but EXPLICITLY ALSO checked for barrier-free and privacy protection
A must for educational contexts.
Many greetings
Isabel Zorn.
Meeting tool
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Permanent link Saved by Daniel Meier (not verified) on/around Tue, 24 Nov 2020 – 11:48am
I use citommeting.de, as an online meeting tool because it comes from Germany, is secure, works in the browser, and has all the important features.
I currently work in Home
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Permanent link Saved by Timo Ostrowski (not verified) on/around Wed, 2/3/2021 – 9:12am
I am currently working in home office. Our company is currently testing the meeting tool Wolkesicher.de. The program works quickly and is free to test, plus the servers are located in Germany and data protection is guaranteed. For these reasons I can only recommend citomeeting.de.
I’d like to add that open
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Permanent link Saved by Bill (not verified) on/around Wed, 22 Feb 2023 – 17:25
I’d like to add that open source Canvas LMS software is rapidly replacing platforms that were market leaders, such as Blackboard, Moodle, and Saba
Info page on the Corona crisis
We have a
service page on the Corona crisis for universities
set up: To inform, share and participate.
For learning platforms I can still recommend OpenOlat (with currently over 100,000 users in Rhineland-Palatinate).
https://www.openolat.com