Browse the categories below to find tools that might help students reach the learning goals you've set.
Need help with technology? Call the Help Center, 24/7/365, at 855-278-5080.
ASU-wide learning tools
The following tools are licensed by, contracted through, and supported by ASU Enterprise Technology.
Here is a more comprehensive spreadsheet of what is currently available in Canvas, including pilots: Canvas Learning Tool Integrations Airtable.
Faculty teaching for The College who have questions about learning tools are welcome to email Kena Ray: kkray@asu.edu.
Video lecture and screen recording
See this page: https://instruction.thecollege.asu.edu/video-lecture-resources
Student engagement and collaboration
Yellowdig
Yellowdig is a social learning platform designed for higher education that integrates with Canvas. Many instructors use it instead of Canvas Discussion because of its capacity to build community among students. Yellowdig guide - The College
Playposit
Enrich critical thinking and comprehension by adding questions to any video.
Register for ASU Learning Experience webinars on Playposit
Get help at ASU@playposit.org
Learn more at https://go.playposit.com/additional-resources
Voicethread
Embeds in Canvas and allows students to add video, audio, or text comments on one another's slides, video, audio, or comments.
Slack
Slack is a chat tool that integrates with Canvas; enables student collaboration, supports organized group channels and audio and video calls with screen sharing capabilities.
Zoom
Useful for small group meetings and online office hours. You can also use Zoom to record videos.
Zoom Video Conferencing Overview
Clickers
In Summer/Fall 2020, ASU switched from TurningPoint to iClicker. It is an enterprise tool (no cost to students). Find iClicker info here: https://uto.asu.edu/services/tools/clickers/faculty/KBA
Badging
ASU is currently piloting Badgr, which integrates with Canvas for digital credentialing professional development and non-credit learning experiences. Get started with a pilot here: https://asu.digication.com/badgr-sandbox/getting-started
Document sharing
Google Drive
All ASU faculty, staff, and students have access to Google Drive through their asurite@asu.edu Gmail addresses (accessed via MyASU).
Google Drive is a cloud-based service for creating and storing Docs (similar to Word), Sheets (similar to Excel), Slides (similar to PowerPoint), Forms (a survey creation tool), and Sites (a website creator that can be used for portfolios).
Google Drive syncs documents and files across all user devices, enabling real-time edits that are automatically saved to the cloud. No more saving files to your device and emailing attachments -- simply share a link!
Because multiple users may access Google files simultaneously, it's an excellent collaboration toolbox for instructors, students, and groups.
Note. ASU's Google Drive contract limits most users to 20 GB. Exceptions may be granted if used for research. We recommend only storing files (docs, sheets, forms) in Google Drive, and using Dropbox or MediaPlus to store media. Contact Kena Ray or Kevin Beyer for questions about this.
External tools
The following tools are recommended by ASU Instructional Designers, but they are not typically funded/licensed by or supported by UTO, EdPlus, The College, or academic units.
Data collection and visualization
Lucidchart https://www.lucidchart.com
Links out of Canvas or embeds in Canvas. Instructors can create charts and diagrams to use as learning materials. Students can collaborate on drawing, revising and sharing charts and diagrams for assignments.
Tableau Public App https://public.tableau.com/en-us/s/
Instructors and students can create data visualizations and publish them to the web/ Canvas. It also has how-to videos covering the following: how to use data sources, clean and analyze data, create interactive charts, and publish data visualizations.
ZeeMaps https://www.zeemaps.com/mapping/
Links out of Canvas or embeds in Canvas. Students can pin their location on a map as an introductions activity, or create, publish, and share interactive maps, construct dynamic visualizations of geographic information, and produce maps from Excel or Cloud Drive.
Gamification
Quizlet https://quizlet.com/
Instructors and students can create digital flashcards and other gamified study tools.
Graphic design
Canva https://www.canva.com/
Canva is an easy-to-use graphic-design document creator using drag-and-drop functionality with access to countless templates, photos, graphics, and fonts. Instructors can create infographic learning materials; students can create posters, resumes, flyers, etc. It is used by non-designers as well as design professionals. Attach Canva files to Canvas or embed them.
Interactive video
Flipgrid https://flipgrid.com
The free version links out of Canvas. Students and instructors can record short, authentic videos and can reply to each other’s videos. Instructors are 100% in control with video moderation, access controls, and much more. Flipgrid Canvas integration is not approved at this time.
Powtoon https://www.powtoon.com
Sign up for a free 4-day trial to create short animated videos using drag-and-drop functionality. The free trial gives you access to pro-level templates, animated characters, music, graphics, and fonts. You can purchase the tool after the trial for about $70. Creating a Powtoon can be time-consuming, but the payoff is big.
Interested in piloting a new tool in Canvas?
You have the academic freedom to use any tools you have access to, as long as they support ASU's mission and goals of inclusivity, and if they do not access ASU student data, research data, or business data. Additionally, The College Dean's Office does not support the use of student-pay tools unless they deliver learning content (textbooks and labs).
Tool piloting requirements
Security Review Tools that access student data must undergo a security review and a procurement process, which includes a detailed procurement contract, prior to deployment to students. Student data includes names, emails, ASUrite IDs, grades, and any other personally identifiable information per FERPA, HIPAA, etc.
Accessibility and inclusion All tools should also be universally accessible and inclusive to culturally-diverse learners of all ages and abilities.
- Connect with Kena Ray in the Dean's Office if you're interested in exploring a new learning tool. She can advise on the tool's status in the ASU ecosystem, discuss pertinent info with the vendor, and begin the evaluation and security review process.
- Click this link to begin the security review process: https://lms.asu.edu/introducing-third-party-tools
Cost If a tool or resource isn't adopted at the enterprise level for ASU-wide use, academic units or departments hold the responsibility of funding and contracting course-related resources, which would need to be worked into their annual budgets. (Note that The College Dean’s Office typically does not fund instructional tools and technologies.)