Conferencing: Comparison Chart- Synchronous Communication Tools

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With the need to teach, learn, and collaborate synchronously online, it is recognized there are several tools to get the job done. The table below highlights some of the features, functions, and capabilities of the supported web conferencing tools: Microsoft Teams and Zoom. This list is not exhaustive, but it is helpful to see how each tool is compared so an informed decision can be made when determining which tool to use for various purposes and audiences.  As you are comparing the tools, please reach out to CETL (CETL@uwec.edu) with any questions.

Tool Feature
 
Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
Microsoft Teams
 
Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
UWEC Support

Office and administration

Instruction, office, and administration

Integrated with Canvas LMS

Rich content editor

Navigation bar

Desktop App (download program)

Yes, for optimal experience

Yes, for optimal experience

Maximum Simultaneous Webcams

49 based on internet bandwidth

49 based on internet bandwidth

Max. # Simultaneous Audio

49; Quality varies based on internet bandwidth

49; Quality varies based on internet bandwidth

Max. # Participants

Recommends no more than 300; 1000 can join and interact 

Recommends 300; 1000 can join and interact upon request

Multiple Moderators/Hosts

Yes

No; one host and unlimited co-host(s)

Supported Browsers

Chrome and Firefox; use desktop application for full features

Chrome and Firefox;  use desktop application for full features

Mobile App Available

Yes

Yes

Session Scheduling

Yes

Yes

Open-ended Sessions

No

No

End of Meeting Behavior

Closes when the host leaves the session or the session is transferred to a new host

Closes when the host leaves the session or the session is transferred to a new host

Chat Feature

Yes

Yes

Chat with everyone

Yes

Yes

Chat with individuals

Yes

Yes

Share Whiteboard

Yes

Yes

Annotation Tools

Yes; whiteboard

Yes; files and whiteboard  

Polling

Yes

Yes; downloadable results

Surveys

Yes; using Forms add-on

Yes; downloadable results

Hand Raising

Yes

Yes

Can Record Session

Yes

Yes

Recording Format

MP4 Video

MP4 Video

Save Recording

Saved to Sharepoint

Link available in meeting chat or channel once it is processed

 

Cloud; available for 180 days (6 months)

Local; available until storage runs out

Download Recording

Yes

Yes

Share Recording Link

Yes, but only UWEC users

Yes

Advanced Recording Features

No

Yes

Download Chat History

Yes; through Outlook History

Yes; TXT file

Attendance Report

Yes; CSV file

Yes; CSV file

Phone Conferencing

Yes

Yes

Share Files

Yes; Main room only

Yes; Main room only; Sent to one participant, a specific predesignated group, or all participants 

Download Files

No; can be done through SharePoint/OneDrive

Yes

Screen Sharing Capabilities

Yes

Yes

Breakout Rooms (Group Work)

Yes; set up through Teams Channels

Yes; set up within program

Pre-Set Breakout Rooms

No

Yes; but not compatible with Canvas integration

Recalls Content

Yes

No

Closed Captioning

Yes (automated)

Yes (automated audio transcript, text, manual entry)

Students can Create a Session

Yes

Yes

Suitable for HIPAA

Yes; Preferred

Yes; Preferred

AI Capabilities
No  Yes; meeting summary, chat summary, question enhancer
     

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 2933
Created
Wed 2/1/23 2:13 PM
Modified
Mon 3/4/24 2:07 PM

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Use this service to request a new team be created or for assistance using Teams.
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