There are so many applications out there to support you in collaborating online. Below is a list to get you started – most are free or have free trial versions, but a couple will require a subscription. They are included because they have proven to be extremely useful, or they are commonly used tools that you may have access to via your organisation.
Messaging / social media
Sometimes the simplest methods are the best, and it’s likely that many of your participants will already be familiar with some of these apps, or at the very least have a mobile phone or email address.
- SMS
- SnapChat
Videocalling
For synchronous communication when you want to be able to talk to each other in real time. Your organisation may already provide you with access to one of these. If not, you can sign up for a free account, but be aware that this may limit the length of your calls, or the number of people who can join.
Share and discuss videos / photos / audio / links
- Padlet: a virtual post board for sharing and commenting/discussing on any type of media. It has a variety of templates to help you collaborate in different ways. See this useful guide for more information.
- Flip: free web and mobile app from Microsoft for facilitating video discussions. Users can record, edit and share videos and invite others to comment/collaborate.
- VoiceThread: build online presentations by adding images, documents, videos and other media for others to comment on (subscription required).
Online whiteboards
Online whiteboards are the digital equivalent of a blank sheet of paper, or a physical whiteboard. You can use them in real-time or asynchronously to collaborate with others. Typical functionality includes post-its, drawing tools, text, adding multimedia such as video, audio, images or gifs. Many also include free templates to help you organise your ideas or structure activities.
- Zoom whiteboards (included with all Zoom accounts)
- Mural
- Miro
- Lucidspark
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