Web Conferencing

NDSU web conferencing tools support real-time communication and collaboration for classes, meetings, guest lectures, and other virtual events. These platforms allow participants to share audio, video, and content while engaging in synchronous discussions from any location.

Getting Started

Select the web conferencing application that best meets your needs and sign in using your NDUS credentials.

  • Microsoft Teams is a part of the NDUS Office 365 suite. Teams include a series of collaboration tools, including team chats, file sharing, and web conferencing
  • Zoom is a cloud-based web conferencing platform offering video, audio, screen-sharing, chat, file-sharing, breakout rooms, and collaboration tools.

Best Practices

  • Enable live transcription or closed captioning before meetings begin when available.
  • Test your audio, video, and internet connection before sessions.
  • Use a stable, wired connection when possible to improve reliability.
  • Share clear meeting agendas and expectations in advance.
  • Promote accessible meeting practices (e.g., introductions, avoiding acronyms, describing visual content).
  • Use collaboration tools such as screen sharing, chat, and breakout rooms to enhance engagement.

Use Cases

  • Deliver synchronous online or hybrid classes.
  • Host virtual meetings, student help hours, and group collaboration sessions.
  • Invite guest speakers or external participants to class or events.
  • Conduct interviews, presentations, or project meetings remotely.
  • Support real-time collaboration through screen sharing, chat, and shared documents.

Universal Design/Accessibility

  • Use live captions or transcription features when available and ensure they are enabled before sessions begin.
  • Provide meeting materials (agendas, slides, or documents) in advance in accessible formats.
  • Verbally describe visual content, including slides, charts, and shared screens.
  • Encourage participants to introduce themselves before speaking.
  • Avoid excessive use of acronyms, jargon, or rapid topic changes.
  • Offer multiple ways to participate (audio, chat, or written responses).
  • Ensure recordings are captioned and shared in accessible formats when available.
  • Follow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles by supporting multiple means of engagement and communication.

Help, consultation, training

IT Service Center

Intended Audience

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Students

Using this service

Availability

24/7/365 [*Standard outages]

Cost

University-funded: no charge.

Related Resources

  • Coming Soon!


    Keywords:
    web, conferencing, zoom, teams, microsoft, teams, 
    Doc ID:
    114419
    Owned by:
    Sharley K. in NDSU IT Knowledge Base
    Created:
    2021-10-20
    Updated:
    2026-06-29
    Sites:
    NDSU IT Knowledge Base