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
Microsoft Teams
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