Metadata
Title
Teaching Tools
Category
courses
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6b178557d99e43a2937dcb8d3a7e4c5d
Source URL
https://academictech.uchicago.edu/teaching-tools/
Parent URL
https://academictech.uchicago.edu/category/accessibility/
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2026-03-23T05:35:21+00:00
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# Teaching Tools

**Source**: https://academictech.uchicago.edu/teaching-tools/
**Parent**: https://academictech.uchicago.edu/category/accessibility/

Below is a list of digital teaching tools we curate for faculty and instructors at the University of Chicago. [Contact us](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/about-us/contact-us/) or [book a consultation](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ATSLearningDesignTeamConsultation@uchicagoedu.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/) if you need help with the tools or classroom implementation.



### Blogs

Class Blogs can be an effective [write-to-learn assignment](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/2018/09/01/teach-smart-with-technology-blogging-as-a-write-to-learn-exercise/), in addition to other pedagogical uses. UChicago Voices is a WordPress-based blogging tool for faculty, students and staff to build websites, blogs, portfolios and more. [Contact us](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/about-us/contact-us/) for a consultation on using blogs for your course.

- [Log in to UChicago Voices](http://voices.uchicago.edu/)
- [UChicago Voices Support](https://websites.uchicago.edu/support-training/voices-support/)
- [Request a Class Blog](http://voices.uchicago.edu/class-blogs-form/)



### Canvas

Canvas is the University’s learning management system. Instructors can upload course documents, link to course reserves, start discussions, create and grade tests and assignments, and communicate with students via announcements and emails. We offer [office hours](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/office-hours), [workshops](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/events/), and [individual consultations](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ATSLearningDesignTeamConsultation@uchicagoedu.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/) on Canvas for instructors.

- [Log in to Canvas](https://courses.uchicago.edu/)
- [Information about Canvas](http://courses.uchicago.edu/)

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### Ed Discussion

Ed Discussion from [edstem.org](https://edstem.org/) is a robust threaded discussion platform that allows document and image uploads, runnable code snippets, math equations, embedded video, and image annotation. Posts can be categorized and set to public (for the class), private, or anonymous. Instructors and TAs can endorse posts and provide feedback. The new Bots++ feature allows instructors to create a course chatbot to use in the Ed Discussion forums. The chatbot references uploaded documentation and instructors can control where and when it responds to students. We are happy to facilitate departmental demos or workshops.

- [Ed Discussion Quick Start Guide](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06001750)
- [Ed Discussion Advanced Features](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06001801)
- [Ed Discussion: Add an AI Chatbot with Bots++](https://uchicago.service-now.com/esc?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06004476)
- Contact vendor support: [support@edstem.org](mailto:support@edstem.org)



### Generative AI Tools

The University of Chicago offers a selection of generative AI tools to support instructors in teaching. Phoenix AI, the University’s generative AI chat service, is built with a large language models (LLM) from OpenAI and customized for security, privacy, accessibility, and equity. Enterprise services such as Co-Pilot, Notebook LM, and (coming soon) Gemini are also available to the University community. These tools provide features for automating workflows, generating materials, coding, and synthesizing information. For a more customized approach, create a custom course chatbot with Ed Discussion Bots++. If you’d like guidance on integrating generative AI into your teaching, reach out to our team for a [one-on-one consultation](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ATSLearningDesignTeamConsultation@uchicagoedu.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/).

- [Generative AI at UChicago](https://genai.uchicago.edu/)
- [Phoenix AI](https://phoenixai.uchicago.edu/login)

j

### Gradescope

[Gradescope](http://gradescope.com/) is a tool that facilitates the grading of hand-written work in an easier, more efficient, and more consistent way. It also allows better feedback for students, which reduces regrade requests. This is especially critical when assignments and exams are graded by a team of faculty and/or TAs. It can be used by any instructor and integrates with Canvas for roster sync and pushing grades to the Canvas Gradebook. We are happy to facilitate departmental demos or workshops.

- [Use Gradescope via Canvas (Faculty)](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06001356)
- [Use Gradescope via Canvas (Students)](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06001358)

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### Hypothesis

Hypothesis is open-source software that allows for collaborative annotation down to the sentence level on online documents such as web pages, PDFs hosted on websites, or scholarly databases. Annotations can be public, private, or shared with members of a group, such as among class members. Hypothesis can help make reading visible, active, and social. Hypothesis is integrated with Canvas, and you can use it to create Canvas module items or assignments.

- [Use the Hypothesis-Canvas Integration](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06001492)



### Lightboard

The UChicago Lightboard, housed on the A Level of Regenstein Library, is a glass board injected with light, allowing you to face your viewers while the text, figures, etc. you have written glow in front of you. The Lightboard is an excellent aid for recorded lectures and provides an added visual stimulus to enhance the concepts you’re presenting.

- [Request a Lightboard Consultation](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/lightboard/)

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### LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of self-paced online courses that can be used as supplemental instructional material or tutorials for specific skills needed for a given course. Browse popular courses on topics such as Python, R, Excel, and more. This tool is free across UChicago to anyone with an active CNetID.  

- Visit the [LinkedIn Learning website](https://linkedinlearning.uchicago.edu) to get started.

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### OneButton Studio

The OneButton Studio (OBS) on Level A of the Regenstein Library is available for quick and easy video projects. The OBS is perfect for short video assignments or for practicing presentations (with or without presentation slides).

- [Learn more about the OneButton Studio](https://onebuttonstudio.uchicago.edu/).
- [Reserve the OBS through the Library](https://rooms.lib.uchicago.edu/reserve/onebuttonstudio).



### Panopto

Panopto is the University’s video management platform, a tool for recording, organizing, embedding, and live streaming video. It seamlessly integrates with Canvas for video/audio course content and in-video quizzes and can be used for DIY lecture capture and screencasts. Panopto also includes a suite of web-based video editing tools. While Canvas has its own audio and video tools, Panopto offers more robust features and analytics. See our Knowledge Base Articles for more information about how to use Panopto with Canvas.

- [Get started with Panopto.](https://panopto.uchicago.edu)
- [Panopto Documentation](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=search&t=kb&q=Panopto)

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### Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere is a student response system that replaces physical clickers in the classroom. Poll Everywhere can facilitate quick polls, feedback, or quizzes in the classroom to promote better engagement from students and give instant insights into student understanding for instructors. Poll Everywhere easily integrates with Canvas, as well.

- See the [Poll Everywhere website](https://polleverywhere.uchicago.edu) for more information.

~

### Respondus LockDown Browser

[Respondus LockDown Browser](https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/) is a tool to help secure in-person digital assessments by preventing students from opening other programs or websites. It can be used in conjunction with Canvas to secure Canvas Quizzes. (Note that your students will need to install LockDown Browser on their device — PC or Mac — before using it to complete an assessment. The [TechBar in Regenstein Library](https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/thelibrary/techbar/) will have a limited number of loaner laptops with LockDown Browser for student use.)

- [Enable Respondus LockDown Browser for a Canvas Quiz (Faculty and Instructors)](https://uchicago.service-now.com/esc?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06004573)
- [Install and Use the Respondus LockDown Browser Software (Students)](https://uchicago.service-now.com/esc?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB06004574)



### vLab

The UChicago Virtual Lab (vLab) is an online equivalent to a computer lab. You can use it to access certain course software. Access vLab from university-provided computers in the Library and other public spaces, or from your own laptop or desktop on the university network. (Please use [cVPN](https://uchicago.service-now.com/it?id=kb_article&kb=KB00015292) when accessing vLab from off-campus.)

- [Log in Instructions](https://academictech.uchicago.edu/academictech/vlab)
- [List of vLab Software](https://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB00015521)

# Google Suite

Anyone with a CNetID can access the UChicago Google Suite by logging in through our single-sign on with Shibboleth. For more information about the G Suite and how to access it, see the [G Suite FAQ](https://uchicago.service-now.com/it?id=kb_article&kb=KB00015659).

### Google Docs

A word-processing document that allows up to 50 users to edit and 200 users to view simultaneously. Document owners can grant specific users editing, viewing, or commenting privileges. Users have the ability to track changes, and chat while working together.

- [Create Google Docs in Google Drive](http://gdrive.uchicago.edu/)
- [Documentation (Google)](https://support.google.com/docs/?hl=en#topic=1382883)

### Google Forms

Google Forms allows you to quickly create surveys, quick poll, and pop quiz collaboratively. Responses are automatically collected and organized in Google Sheets, and real-time response information and charts are available right inside Forms. It can be used as an alternative for classroom response systems.

- [Create Google Forms in Google Drive](http://gdrive.uchicago.edu/)
- [Documentation (Google)](https://support.google.com/docs/?hl=en#topic=1382883)

### Google Maps

Create custom maps to draw out geographical relationships. Draw lines, shapes, or placemarks on the maps; import geographically-specific data; use layers to hide or show different kinds of content.

- [Create Maps in Google Drive](http://gdrive.uchicago.edu/)
- [Introduction and Documentation (Google)](https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024396?hl=en)

### Google Sheets

A spreadsheet that allows up to 50 users to edit and 200 users to view simultaneously. Document owners can grant specific users editing, viewing, or commenting privileges. Users have the ability to track changes, and chat while working together.

- [Create Google Sheets in Google Drive](http://gdrive.uchicago.edu/)
- [Documentation (Google)](https://support.google.com/docs/?hl=en#topic=1382883)

### Google Slides

Google Slides allows you to create, edit, and present slides from any computer. Similar to Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote, but collaborators can edit together in real-time. Chat and comment functions facilitate working together.

- [Create Google Slides in Google Drive](http://gdrive.uchicago.edu/)
- [Documentation (Google)](https://support.google.com/docs/?hl=en#topic=1382883)