Best online collaboration tools for students

Key Takeaways

• Online collaboration tools help students communicate and work together effectively.

• Many tools offer features like file sharing, video calls, and real-time editing.

• Using these tools can improve students' teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• They provide a platform for students to share ideas and resources easily.

• Choosing the right tool can enhance the overall learning experience.

  
  

1. Drime

Drime is a fantastic online collaboration tool designed for students. It allows users to work together on projects in real-time, making it easier to share ideas and feedback. This tool is perfect for group assignments and brainstorming sessions.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration: Work together instantly, no matter where you are.

• User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.

• File sharing: Quickly share documents and resources with your team.

• Secure Cloud Storage: Advanced encryption ensures your files are always safe.

• Scalability: Grows with your needs, ideal for both small and large teams

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Pricing:

Free: 20 GB storage, basic features.

• Starter: $3.99/month, 500 GB storage, 30-day file history.

• Plus: $5.99/month, 1 TB storage, 90-day file history.

• Professional: $9.99/month, 2 TB storage, advanced admin features.

• Advanced: $18.99/month, 5 TB storage, compliance tracking.

• Enterprise: Custom solutions, contact for pricing.

  
  

Drime helps students connect and collaborate effectively, making learning more engaging and interactive.

2. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is a powerful tool for team communication that helps students work together effectively. This platform allows students to create channels and discussions for their projects, making it easy to connect and collaborate. With Rocket.Chat, students can:

• Exchange texts, files, and images.

• Make video calls for real-time collaboration.

• Customize their workspace to fit their needs.

Key Features

Feature Description Open Source Students can modify the code to suit their needs. Secure Communication Offers end-to-end encryption for privacy. Flexible Deployment Can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud.

Rocket.Chat empowers students to collaborate in a secure environment, ensuring their data remains private while they work together.

Overall, Rocket.Chat is an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their collaboration experience. It combines ease of use with robust features, making it a top pick for educational settings.

3. Figma

Figma is a powerful tool that helps students and teams work together on design projects. With its real-time collaboration features, users can create and edit designs simultaneously, making it easier to share ideas and get feedback. Here are some key points about Figma:

• Real-time collaboration: Work with classmates on designs at the same time.

• User-friendly interface: Easy to learn, even for beginners.

• Versatile design options: Create everything from websites to mobile apps.

Figma's Best Features

Feature Description Real-time editing Collaborate live with others on design projects. Prototyping tools Create interactive prototypes to showcase your designs. Commenting system Get feedback directly on your designs from peers and teachers.

Figma's Limitations

• The free version has limits on the number of projects.

• Mainly focused on design, which may not suit all subjects.

• Lacks advanced AI features for design assistance.

Pricing Plans

Plan Cost per Month Free $0 Professional $15 Organization $45 Enterprise $75

Figma is great for designing engaging lessons in FigJam, allowing you to create activities that encourage student participation and foster a more interactive classroom environment.

Overall, Figma is an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their design skills while collaborating effectively with their peers.

4. Mural

Mural is a free online digital whiteboard for team collaboration that helps students bring their ideas to life and collaborate in real-time. This platform is designed to connect teams and inspire innovation, making it a great choice for group projects and brainstorming sessions.

Key Features of Mural

• Visual Collaboration: Mural allows users to create mind maps, flowcharts, and other visual aids to enhance understanding.

• Real-Time Editing: Students can work together simultaneously, making it easy to share ideas and feedback instantly.

• Templates: Mural offers various templates to help students get started quickly on their projects.

Benefits of Using Mural

1. Engagement: The interactive nature of Mural keeps students engaged and motivated.

2. Flexibility: It can be used for various subjects and types of projects, from art to science.

3. Accessibility: Mural is available online, allowing students to collaborate from anywhere.

Mural is a fantastic tool for hybrid learning, helping both students and teachers collaborate effectively.

In summary, Mural is an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their collaborative efforts and creativity in a visually engaging way.

5. Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a powerful virtual classroom tool designed for students. It allows for real-time collaboration through video conferencing, instant messaging, and co-creating class materials. This tool is especially useful as it integrates seamlessly with the Blackboard Learning Management System, making it easier for students to keep all their study materials in one place.

Key Features:

• Video Conferencing: Students can join live classes and discussions.

• Instant Messaging: Communicate quickly with classmates and teachers.

• Material Co-Creation: Work together on projects and assignments.

Blackboard Collaborate offers a seamless, web-based virtual learning experience, making it a top choice among online collaboration tools for students.

Benefits of Using Blackboard Collaborate:

1. Easy Access: Students can join classes from anywhere with an internet connection.

2. Interactive Learning: Engage in discussions and activities in real-time.

3. Resource Management: Keep all learning materials organized in one platform.

In summary, Blackboard Collaborate is an essential tool for students looking to enhance their collaboration skills and improve their online learning experience. It stands out among other collaboration tools for students due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.

6. Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a powerful tool for students, offering a range of features that make collaboration-friendly cloud storage easy and effective. With tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, students can work together on projects in real-time. Here are some key points about Google Workspace:

• Cloud storage: Google Drive provides up to 15 GB of free storage, which is great for keeping all your files in one place.

• User-friendly interface: The layout is simple and similar to other popular software, making it easy for students to adapt.

• Integration: It works well with other Google apps, allowing seamless transitions between documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Pricing

Plan Price per Month Storage Limit Free $0 Up to 15 GB Business Starter $7.20 30 GB Business Standard $14.40 2 TB Business Plus $21.60 5 TB

Limitations

• Limited formatting options compared to other software.

• Security concerns for sensitive documents due to easy link sharing.

• Lacks advanced project management features beyond document editing.

Google Workspace is a great choice for students who need a reliable platform for online workspaces and collaboration. It’s easy to use and helps keep everything organized.

In summary, Google Workspace is one of the best cloud storage for creative teams and is essential for students looking to collaborate effectively on their projects.

7. Bit.ai

Bit.ai is a powerful online collaboration tool that helps students work together on projects seamlessly. It combines document creation and sharing with real-time collaboration features. This makes it easy for students to create, edit, and share documents all in one place.

Key Features of Bit.ai

• Real-time collaboration: Work on documents simultaneously with your classmates.

• Document templates: Use pre-made templates to save time on formatting.

• Integration with other tools: Connect with apps like Google Drive and Dropbox for easy file sharing.

Benefits for Students

1. Easy to use: The interface is simple, making it accessible for everyone.

2. Organized workspace: Keep all your documents in one place, reducing clutter.

3. Version control: Track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.

Bit.ai is designed to enhance teamwork and productivity, making group projects less stressful and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In summary, Bit.ai is an excellent choice for students looking to improve their collaboration skills. With its user-friendly features and integration capabilities, it stands out as a top tool for online teamwork.

Comparison Table

Feature Bit.ai Other Tools Real-time Collaboration Yes Varies Document Templates Yes Limited Integration Options Extensive Limited

8. Padlet

Padlet is a fantastic digital tool that lets students create interactive walls for sharing ideas and resources. Think of it as a digital bulletin board where you can post anything from images to videos and text. This makes it a great platform for students to collaborate and express their creativity.

Key Features of Padlet:

• User-Friendly Interface: Padlet is easy to use, allowing students to post content from any device, whether it's a computer, tablet, or phone.

• Multimedia Support: Students can share various types of content, including documents, links, and images, making it versatile for different subjects.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Everyone can see updates instantly, which encourages teamwork and communication.

Benefits of Using Padlet:

1. Enhances Collaboration: Students can work together on projects and share their findings in a fun way.

2. Encourages Creativity: The platform allows for a variety of content types, helping students express their ideas visually.

3. Flexible Learning: It can be used for different activities, from brainstorming sessions to project presentations.

Padlet is a great way to get students involved in sharing and collaborating. It shows text and images guiding students on how to take and annotate photos of book pages for class discussion.

In summary, Padlet is a powerful tool for students to engage in collaborative learning, making it a top choice for classrooms.

9. Diigo

Diigo is a powerful tool that helps students gather, annotate, and share web content easily. It acts like a digital bookmark where you can save articles, videos, and other resources. This makes it a great choice for students who want to keep track of their research and collaborate with classmates.

Key Features:

• Bookmarking: Save important web pages for easy access later.

• Annotation: Highlight text and add notes directly on the web pages.

• Sharing: Share your bookmarks and notes with classmates or teachers.

Pricing:

Plan Cost Free Basic features Educator Free Premium Starts at $40/year

Diigo encourages students to work together by allowing them to share their findings and insights, making learning more interactive and engaging.

In summary, Diigo is an excellent tool for students looking to enhance their research skills and collaborate effectively. It helps them stay organized and connected with their peers while learning.

10. Zotero

Zotero is a free and open-source citation management software that helps students manage their research materials. It allows users to gather, organize, and share their sources easily. This tool is especially useful for creating bibliographies and formatting citations, making it a favorite among students and researchers.

Key Features:

• File sharing: Collaborate with classmates by sharing research materials.

• Easy organization: Keep your sources sorted and accessible.

• Citation formatting: Automatically format citations in various styles.

Benefits of Using Zotero:

1. User-friendly interface: Simple to navigate, even for beginners.

2. Cross-platform support: Works on different devices and browsers.

3. Community support: A large user base means plenty of resources and help available.

Zotero makes it easy to collect and share research sources, helping students work together effectively.

In summary, Zotero is an essential tool for students looking to enhance their research and collaboration skills. Its features make it a top choice for managing citations and sharing resources efficiently.

11. Symbaloo

Symbaloo is a resource management tool that helps teachers organize and access their favorite websites, online resources, and educational sites all in one place. This colorful, tile-based platform allows users to create a personalized homepage filled with links to various resources. Here are some key features of Symbaloo:

• Easy Organization: Users can categorize their tiles for quick access.

• Collaboration: Teachers can share their Symbaloo pages with students and other educators.

• Customization: You can design your layout to fit your needs and preferences.

Plan Type Cost Free Version $0 Business Version $99 per user/year School Version $2,000/year

Symbaloo makes classroom use simple by allowing teachers to bookmark resources like YouTube videos and educational websites, making it easier for students to find what they need.

12. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a powerful tool that acts like a digital notebook. Using Microsoft OneNote for easy classroom organization helps students keep their notes tidy and accessible. Here are some key features:

• Organize notes into sections and pages, making it easy to find information.

• Add multimedia like images, audio, and videos to enhance learning.

• Collaborate with classmates in real-time, allowing for group projects and shared notes.

Key Features of Microsoft OneNote

Feature Description Note Organization Create sections and pages for different subjects. Multimedia Support Insert images, audio, and videos into notes. Collaboration Share notebooks with classmates for group work.

Benefits of Using OneNote

1. Easy access to notes from any device with internet.

2. Flexible layout allows for free-form note-taking.

3. Search function helps find information quickly.

Microsoft OneNote is a great way to keep your schoolwork organized and collaborate with friends. It makes studying easier and more fun!

13. Kahoot!

Kahoot! is a fun and engaging platform that makes learning exciting through interactive quizzes. It allows teachers to create their own quizzes or use existing ones, making it easy for students to join in using a code on their devices. This tool is perfect for both individual and group activities, ensuring that everyone can participate.

Key Features:

• Game-based learning: Kahoot! turns quizzes into games, making learning enjoyable.

• Collaborative environment: Students can work together in pairs or teams.

• Rewards system: Each game played earns students rewards, fostering a sense of achievement.

Pricing:

Plan Cost Basic Free Pro €3/month Premium €6/month Premium+ €9/month

Kahootopia is a tool for the entire class to collaborate and celebrate achievements, as each Kahoot game the class plays will earn them rewards.

Kahoot! is not just about quizzes; it’s about creating a vibrant learning atmosphere where students can thrive. With its colorful interface and easy-to-use features, it’s no wonder that Kahoot! is a favorite among educators and students alike!

14. ConceptBoard

ConceptBoard is a fantastic visual collaboration platform that helps students and teams work together effectively. It provides a digital whiteboard where users can share ideas, draw, and brainstorm in real-time. This tool is especially useful for creating a wireframe template, allowing users to visualize their thoughts and designs easily.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration: Work together with classmates or team members instantly.

• Sticky notes and file sharing: Add notes, images, and videos to enhance discussions.

• Screen sharing and video chat: Communicate effectively while working on projects.

Pricing:

Plan Cost per User/Month Premium $7.50 Free Trial 30 days

ConceptBoard is designed to boost team productivity by providing a space where everyone can contribute their ideas visually.

In summary, ConceptBoard is an excellent tool for students looking to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and enhance their learning experience together. It makes group work more engaging and productive!

15. Flip

Overview

Flip is a fantastic tool for students to share their thoughts through videos. It allows teachers to create discussion topics called "grids," where students can post their video responses. This tool is great for encouraging student participation and making learning more interactive.

Key Features

• Video Discussions: Students can express their ideas through recorded videos.

• Global Collaboration: Connect with other students worldwide through the #GridPals program.

• Interactive Tools: Use stickers, drawings, and custom rubrics to enhance learning.

Benefits of Using Flip

1. Engagement: Students feel more involved when they can share their voices.

2. Feedback: Teachers can provide video feedback, making it more personal.

3. Community Support: There’s a strong community of users who share tips and ideas.

Flip is a free tool owned by Microsoft, making it accessible for all students.

Conclusion

In summary, Flip is an excellent platform for students to engage in discussions and share their ideas creatively. It not only promotes collaboration but also helps students develop their communication skills.

16. InsertLearning

InsertLearning is a Chrome extension that allows you to transform any website into an interactive lesson. With this tool, teachers can highlight text, add sticky notes, and insert questions or videos directly onto the webpage. This makes learning more engaging and interactive for students.

Key Features:

• Interactive Lessons: Turn any webpage into a lesson.

• Easy to Use: Simple interface for adding notes and questions.

• Free Account: Create up to 5 lessons without any cost.

Benefits of Using InsertLearning:

1. Enhances Engagement: Students can interact with content directly.

2. Supports Collaboration: Teachers and students can discuss and share insights.

3. Flexible Learning: Works with any website, making it versatile.

InsertLearning is a great way to make lessons more interactive and fun. It encourages students to think critically about the material they are studying.

Security Features:

InsertLearning also emphasizes encryption to keep user data safe, ensuring a secure learning environment for everyone involved.

In summary, InsertLearning is a powerful tool for educators looking to enhance their teaching methods and engage students in a meaningful way.

17. Book Creator

Book Creator is a fantastic tool for students who want to create their own ebooks. This app allows for real-time collaboration, making it easy for students to work together on projects. With Book Creator, students can make all kinds of books, including portfolios, comic books, and journals.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: The app is simple to use, making it accessible for all students.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Students can work together on the same book at the same time, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.

• Diverse Formats: Create various types of books, from textbooks to photo books.

Benefits for Students:

1. Enhances Creativity: Students can express their ideas in unique ways.

2. Improves Collaboration: Working together helps build important social skills.

3. Engages Learning: Creating a book makes learning more interactive and fun.

Book Creator empowers students to work together in real-time with its collaboration feature. This enhances teamwork, communication skills, and active learning by allowing them to share ideas and feedback instantly.

In summary, Book Creator is an excellent choice for content creators looking to collaborate and produce engaging educational materials. It’s free for up to 40 books, making it a great option for classrooms.

18. Soundtrap Edu

Soundtrap Edu is a cloud-based audio platform that allows students to create music and podcasts together. This tool is perfect for teachers who want to follow the latest STEAM curriculums and meet learning standards. Here are some key features of Soundtrap Edu:

• Collaborative Music Creation: Students can work together in real-time to compose music or record podcasts.

• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible for students of all ages.

• Diverse Learning Opportunities: It supports various subjects, from music to language arts, enhancing creativity and collaboration.

Feature Description Real-Time Collaboration Students can create and edit projects together. Audio Recording Users can record their voices and sounds easily. Loop Library Access to a wide range of sound loops for projects.

Soundtrap Edu encourages students to express their creativity while learning important skills like teamwork and communication. It’s a great way to engage students in a fun and interactive way!

19. iSpring Suite Max

iSpring Suite Max is a powerful tool that helps you create engaging online courses quickly and easily. This software works as a PowerPoint add-in, allowing you to design interactive content with a variety of features. One of its standout aspects is Scalability, which means it can grow with your needs.

Key Features:

• Collaborative Editing: Authors can work together in real-time, making it easy to share ideas and feedback.

• AI-Generated Quiz Questions: The tool can suggest quiz questions based on your content, saving you time.

• Performance Monitoring: You can track how learners are doing and gather valuable statistics.

Feature Description Collaborative Tool Share projects and get feedback without emails. Real-Time Co-Editing Work together on quizzes and courses instantly. Upload to Moodle Now you can upload courses and quizzes created with iSpring Suite to the Moodle™ software platform.

iSpring Suite Max is designed to make online learning easier and more effective for both educators and students. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their teaching methods.

20. Articulate 360

Articulate 360 is a powerful tool for creating interactive learning materials. It allows teams to work together to design engaging courses. With Articulate 360, you can create dynamic learning experiences that capture students' attention. The main feature of this tool is Storyline 360, which is highly customizable for course authoring. Here are some key points about Articulate 360:

• Collaborative Features: Teams can easily share their work and provide feedback.

• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, making it accessible for all users.

• Secure Environment: Articulate 360 ensures that your content is safe and protected.

Key Features of Articulate 360

Feature Description Storyline 360 Create interactive courses with various interactions. Review 360 Get feedback from team members on your projects. Articulate Rise Build responsive courses that look great on any device.

Articulate 360 is not just about creating content; it's about enhancing collaboration among educators and students. This tool helps in turning static training content into engaging, interactive courses, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

21. H5P

H5P is a unique tool that allows users to create interactive content easily. This open-source platform can be used directly in a web browser or integrated with a Learning Management System (LMS). With H5P, you can add engaging features like quizzes and games to your educational materials, making learning more fun and effective.

Key Features of H5P:

• Interactive Content Creation: Users can create various types of content, including quizzes, interactive videos, and presentations.

• Easy Integration: H5P can be embedded in websites or used within LMS platforms, making it versatile for different learning environments.

• Collaborative Learning: Multiple users can work together on projects, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.

Benefits of Using H5P:

1. User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, even for beginners.

2. Free to Use: H5P is completely free, making it accessible for all students and educators.

3. Engaging Learning Tools: The interactive elements help keep students engaged and motivated.

H5P allows you to easily and quickly add rich interactive content to your canvas course. This makes it a great choice for educators looking to enhance their teaching materials.

In summary, H5P is a powerful tool for creating interactive educational content that promotes collaboration and engagement among students. Its ease of use and free access make it an excellent choice for anyone involved in online learning.

22. Easygenerator

Easygenerator is a user-friendly tool designed for creating engaging e-learning content. This platform is perfect for students and teachers who want to collaborate easily. With its simple drag-and-drop interface, anyone can start making interactive lessons without needing advanced design skills.

Key Features:

• Collaborative Authoring: Allows multiple users to work on projects together.

• Feedback Options: Get input from peers to improve your work.

• Engaging Content Creation: Create lessons that address diverse learning needs with engaging and interactive e-learning.

Pricing:

Plan Type Cost (USD) Free Trial 14 days Pro $108/month Team $541/month

Easygenerator helps meet high training demands by leveraging your employees' expertise to swiftly fulfill learning objectives.

This tool is great for teachers looking to create meaningful classroom activities that engage all students. Here are some benefits of using Easygenerator:

• Easy to Use: No prior design experience needed.

• Flexible Collaboration: Work with classmates or teachers in real-time.

• Interactive Learning: Make lessons that keep students interested and involved.

23. 360Learning

360Learning is a collaborative learning platform that helps teams work together online. This cloud-based tool allows users to create and edit courses easily. Here are some key features:

• Course Creation: Team members can build courses together.

• Role Assignment: You can assign different roles to users, making it easy to manage who does what.

• External Reviews: Invite outside users to review courses and provide feedback.

Pricing

Plan Type Cost per User/Month Basic $8

360Learning provides a training roadmap that guides learners to meet their learning needs. This helps keep everyone on track and engaged.

In summary, 360Learning is a great choice for students and educators looking to enhance their learning experience through collaboration. It boosts employee engagement and learning outcomes by making learning interactive and fun!

24. Docebo

Docebo is a powerful online learning platform that helps students and teachers work together effectively. It offers tools for creating and managing ILT and VILT sessions, making it easier to organize learning events. Here are some key features of Docebo:

• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, ensuring that students can find what they need quickly.

• Customizable Learning Paths: Educators can create tailored learning experiences for their students, allowing for personalized education.

• Analytics and Reporting: Docebo provides insights into student progress, helping teachers understand how well their students are doing.

Feature Description Session Management Create and manage ILT and VILT sessions easily. Learning Analytics Track student performance and engagement. Mobile Learning Access courses on any device, anytime.

Docebo is not just a tool; it’s a complete learning ecosystem that supports collaboration and growth for students and educators alike.

25. Schoology

Schoology is a powerful online collaboration platform designed specifically for schools and colleges. It allows teachers and students to work together in a virtual environment. With Schoology, educators can create lesson plans, manage attendance, and grade assignments all in one place.

Key Features:

• Custom Learning Groups: Teachers can set up groups for different classes or projects, making it easy for students to collaborate.

• Interactive Tools: The platform offers various tools for discussions, assignments, and feedback, enhancing student engagement.

• Resource Sharing: Educators can share materials and resources with students and other teachers, promoting a collaborative learning atmosphere.

Pricing:

Plan Type Cost Free for Educators $0 Premium Features Upon Request

Schoology helps create a community where students can learn from each other and work together effectively.

In summary, Schoology is an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their learning experience through collaboration. It provides a safe and organized space for both teachers and students to interact and share ideas.

In today's fast-paced world, using the right tools can make all the difference in your schoolwork. Drime offers a simple and secure way to store, share, and edit your files, making teamwork easier than ever. Don't miss out on the chance to boost your productivity! Visit our website to create a free account and start enjoying 20 GB of storage right away!

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right online collaboration tools is essential for students today. Tools like Drime stand out with their user-friendly features and generous free storage, making it easy for students to work together on projects. Other tools, such as Rocket.Chat and Figma, also offer great ways for students to communicate and create visually appealing content. By using these tools, students can improve their teamwork skills, learn to manage their time better, and think critically. As they prepare for their future careers, mastering these collaboration tools will help them succeed in any job. So, whether it's for school projects or future work, these online tools are key to effective collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drime and how does it help students?

Drime is an online storage tool that gives you 20GB for free. It helps students store, share, and work on projects together. You can also edit images and create smart notes using AI.

Is Rocket.Chat easy to use for student collaboration?

Yes! Rocket.Chat is user-friendly and allows students to create channels and teams for group projects. You can send messages, share files, and even have video calls.

How can Figma be beneficial for creative projects?

Figma is great for visual projects. It has a whiteboard feature called FigJam for brainstorming, and you can create digital designs and illustrations.

What is Mural used for in education?

Mural is a tool that helps students brainstorm and solve problems visually. It's perfect for creating presentations and mind maps.

Can Google Workspace be used for group work?

Absolutely! Google Workspace has many tools like Docs and Sheets that let students work together in real-time, but it can be a bit pricey.

What is the purpose of using Zotero?

Zotero is a free tool that helps you collect and organize research sources. It's perfect for students working on projects that need references.