Communication
eduVote
Audience Response System
eduVote is an audience response system that enables lecturers to interact with students and receive real-time feedback. This can be visualized in the form of MC questions, word clouds or text lists directly within PowerPoint (PC, Mac, iPad).
Use in teaching
eduVote is used at many universities in German-speaking countries, as it can be integrated seamlessly into the lecturer’s existing PowerPoint slides with little effort. Students can provide feedback by answering multiple-choice questions, submitting free text for word clouds or text lists or by means of yes/no questions. It is also possible to collect text contributions during the course in such a way that only the lecturer can see them.
FileSender
FileSender - Send large files securely
FileSender is a data protection-compliant tool for sending large files easily and securely - even far beyond the usual e-mail limits.
Typical functions:
Sending large files (several GB possible)
Time-limited download link
End-to-end encryption (optional)
Guest uploads via invitation links also possible
The service is usually provided by universities or scientific institutions and is ideal for the secure exchange of sensitive or extensive data.
Hub
The Hub as a communication and networking platform enables university staff, lecturers and students to engage in discussions about specific topics or projects and stay in contact with each other in communities.
Exchange, share and network
The Hub allows individuals and groups to exchange ideas, share information and connect. Communication takes place in spaces, which can be created for specific projects, topics or groups.
Secure Email and Groupware Service with Open-Xchange
Mail is an email and groupware service based on the Open-Xchange platform. Open-Xchange is a proven, scalable solution for email communication and digital collaboration, used in businesses, educational institutions, and research environments.
As a German software provider, Open-Xchange relies on data protection-compliant technologies and promotes digital sovereignty through locally hosted solutions and compliance with European regulations. The service offers a central platform for email management, calendars, contacts, tasks, and other functions accessible via web browsers or mobile apps.
Mastodon
Mastodon offers an alternative to conventional social networks. The unique feature of the platform is the decentralized instances that users can join on their own. The Academic Cloud instance enables entry into the use of Mastodon and opens up a place for academic exchange through short messages and the ability to follow other individuals. Mastodon thus represents a diverse and community-oriented platform.
Matrix
Matrix offers a secure university communication via the Element client, which is available as a web and desktop app. The functions include chats, encrypted calls and file exchange. The university’s single sign-on increases security through unique authentication.
Focus on security: Matrix
The Matrix messenger is a secure communication solution that offers a high level of security for chats, phone and video calls using end-to-end encryption. This guarantees that only the communicating parties have access to the exchanged data. The messenger also supports university single sign-on, which ensures simple and secure authentication. In addition, all data transmissions are encrypted to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of user data.
Meet
Meet is a video conference tool for higher education. It enables interactive online lectures with features such as breakout rooms, screen sharing, shared notes and a whiteboard to support collaborative learning. Ideal for seminars, tutorials and group work, it provides a platform for effective communication and collaboration between lecturers and students.
Particify
Particify is an university-based audience response tool with feedback, survey and Q&A functions that enables lecturers to interactively communicate with students and receive anonymous real-time feedback – whether online, hybrid or in person.
Creating interactive teaching and learning settings
Through quizzes and surveys, lecturers can encourage students to actively participate in sessions. The wide range of question formats allows for targeted assessments of knowledge and ensure varied interaction. In addition, the Q&A feature enables the collection and visualization of content in real-time or asynchronously. For example, students have the opportunity to ask questions anonymously during or outside of a session and express clarification or review needs.
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat has become obsolete and is planned to be discontinued. Please see our end of life plan
Rocket.Chat is a web-based messenger for group communication. Users with a GWDG account can share files, images or videos via this intuitive platform. The web-based service requires no installation, but offers clients for Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile apps. A flexible solution for efficient collaboration in the office or on the go, with end-to-end encryption, various functions and a user-friendly interface.