Skip to main content

Conferencing: Comparison Chart- Synchronous Communication Tools

Last updated

With the need to teach, learn, and collaborate synchronously online, it is recognized that 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 similar and different so an informed decision can be made about which tool to use for various purposes and audiences. As you are comparing the tools, please reach out to CETL with any questions you might have at: CETL@uwec.edu.

NOTE: As of June 30, 2021, Collaborate Ultra is no longer an option.

Features

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

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

300

300

Multiple Moderators/Hosts

Yes

No; one host and co-host

Supported Browsers

Chrome and Firefox but use program for full features

Chrome and Firefox but use program for full features

Mobile App Available

Yes

Yes

Session Scheduling

Yes

Yes

Open-ended Sessions

No

No

End of Meeting Behavior

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

Closes when the host leaves session or 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

Cloud; available for 30 days

Local; available until storage runs out

Email link: coming soon

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

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

Was this article helpful? Yes No

View / Print PDF