With the need to teach, learn, and collaborate synchronously online, it is recognized there are several tools to get the job done. The information 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 is helpful to show how these tools compare 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.
UWEC Support
- Teams: Office and administration
- Zoom: Instruction, office, and administration
Integrated with Canvas LMS
- Teams: Rich content editor
- Zoom: Navigation bar
Desktop App (download program)
- Teams: Yes, for optimal experience
- Zoom: Yes, for optimal experience
Maximum Simultaneous Webcams
- Teams: 49 based on internet bandwidth
- Zoom: 49 based on internet bandwidth
Max. # Simultaneous Audio
- Teams: 49; Quality varies based on internet bandwidth
- Zoom: 49; Quality varies based on internet bandwidth
Max. # Participants
- Teams: Recommends no more than 300; 1000 can join and interact
- Zoom: Recommends 300; 1000 can join and interact upon request
Multiple Moderators/Hosts
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: No; one host and unlimited co-host(s)
Supported Browsers
- Teams: Chrome and Firefox; use desktop application for full features
- Zoom: Chrome and Firefox; use desktop application for full features
Mobile App Available
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Session Scheduling
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Open-ended Sessions
- Teams: No
- Zoom: No
End of Meeting Behavior
- Teams: Closes when the host leaves the session or the session is transferred to a new host
- Zoom: Closes when the host leaves the session or the session is transferred to a new host
Chat Feature
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Chat with everyone
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Chat with individuals
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Share Whiteboard
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Annotation Tools
- Teams: Yes; whiteboard
- Zoom: Yes; files and whiteboard
Polling
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes; downloadable results
Surveys
- Teams: Yes; using Forms add-on
- Zoom: Yes; downloadable results
Hand Raising
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Can Record Session
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Recording Format
- Teams: MP4 Video
- Zoom: MP4 Video
Save Recording
- Teams: Saved to Sharepoint; Link available in meeting chat or channel once it is processed
- Zoom: Cloud; available for 180 days (6 months). Local; available until storage runs out
Download Recording
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Share Recording Link
- Teams: Yes, but only UWEC users
- Zoom: Yes
Advanced Recording Features
- Teams: No
- Zoom: Yes
Download Chat History
- Teams: Yes; through Outlook History
- Zoom: Yes; TXT file
Attendance Report
- Teams: Yes; CSV file
- Zoom: Yes; CSV file
Phone Conferencing
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Share Files
- Teams: Yes; Main room only
- Zoom: Yes; Main room only; Sent to one participant, a specific predesignated group, or all participants
Download Files
- Teams: No; can be done through SharePoint/OneDrive
- Zoom: Yes
Screen Sharing Capabilities
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Breakout Rooms (Group Work)
- Teams: Yes; set up through Teams Channels
- Zoom: Yes; set up within program
Pre-Set Breakout Rooms
- Teams: No
- Zoom: Yes; but not compatible with Canvas integration
Recalls Content
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: No
Closed Captioning
- Teams: Yes (automated)
- Zoom: Yes (automated audio transcript, text, manual entry)
Students can Create a Session
- Teams: Yes
- Zoom: Yes
Suitable for HIPAA
- Teams: Yes; Preferred
- Zoom: Yes; Preferred
AI Capabilities
- Teams: No
- Zoom: Yes; meeting summary, chat summary, question enhancer