Web Conferencing Tools

Web Conferencing Tools

Webex 

Webex Meetings, Webex (formerly Webex Teams) and your Personal Meeting Room allow you to virtually meet with other people from any location. With a host account, you have access to your virtual conference space or you can schedule a meeting using a unique URL. Other features include messaging, file sharing, white boarding. You can use Meetings on your desktop or across mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that can be used for video conferencing meetings, audio conferencing, webinars, meeting recordings, and live chat. You can use Zoom on your desktop or across mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Lecture Capture

Panopto

Panopto is TU's easy-to-use and flexible instructional recording package, and can be used from a computer or mobile device. It integrates closely with Blackboard allowing faculty to easily share content online. Panopto also allows for live streaming events, communications, and lectures with the ability to record as it is broadcasting. 

Asynchronous Collaboration

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is an online collaboration and discussion platform in Blackboard. You can easily comment and respond with audio, video, or text; upload media (images, videos, presentations, etc.) for discussion; and create graded or ungraded assignments. The instructional uses for VoiceThread include student presentation, online discussions, foreign language assignments, and more. 

Live Streaming Accessibility

Listed below are recommendations and resources related to conducting accessible virtual meetings or events on TU's platforms such as WebEx/Zoom. 

Live event-captioning/transcription recommendations

• Require registration for your event and include a field asking if registrants have a need for a disability accommodation.
• Public events/courses that include students or employees registered with Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) should always include video content captioning that meets ADA standards. If needed, submit a captioning accommodation request.
• ASL needs are arranged by ADS. Learn more and access the request form.
• All other live or asynchronous video at TU should utilize the platform's automatic captioning features. See how to enable captioning in Webex, Zoom, Panopto and VoiceThread.
• Content owners should review the produced automatic captioning to confirm that the captions are reasonably accurate.

Recorded event-captioning/transcriptions for future viewing 

If you plan to record your event and provide access on-demand, your video should be closed captioned/transcribed, To request video or audio transcriptions, complete and submit this form.  

Event Platform Accessibility

TU supports numerous virtual event/meeting platforms, although there is not a one size fits all solution when it comes to accessible technology. For consultation to determine which TU platform is best for your audience's needs, submit a captioning accommodation request.

Questions about guidance on captioning and transcripts can be sent to ada AT_TOWSON. See self-help articles about Digital Accessibility.