Ask questions, and get answers from instructors as well as peers. Build a shared knowledge base. Brainstorm with whiteboarding. Build and take live polls, Q&A, and quizzes.
Check out these emerging communication and collaboration tools that can take radiologic technology education to a new level.
Ed Discussion — course Q&A and threaded forums
Website: Ed Discussion
What it is & why it’s useful
Ed Discussion is a modern discussion and Q&A platform built for courses: students ask questions, instructors or peers answer, and the whole class benefits from the shared knowledge base. It supports rich posts (images, video embeds, LaTeX, and even runnable code) with features like endorsements, analytics, and optional anonymous posting to lower participation barriers. For instructors, it cuts down on repetitive email and centralizes FAQ-style support; for learners, it reduces confusion and speeds feedback. It integrates with major LMSs (Canvas, D2L, Moodle, Blackboard) via LTI/SSO, so enrollments and grading workflows stay tidy. Most campuses license Ed Discussion institution-wide; if yours does, adding it to your course is one click in the LMS. For LMRT, use categories like X-ray Production, Radiation Safety, Positioning, and Imaging Systems, plus a dedicated Licensure & Remediation channel to keep exam logistics clear.
Learn it fast (tutorials/videos):
Getting started guides from Stanford and Cornell (step-by-step setup, LMS sync).
- Wharton Knowledge Base – Ed Discussion for Faculty
- Stanford – Canvas help getting started with Ed Discussion
- Cornell – Getting started with Ed Discussion
FigJam — collaborative whiteboard for planning & visuals
Website: FigJam (by Figma)
What it is & why it’s useful
FigJam is an online whiteboard for brainstorming, planning, and visual collaboration—great for mapping image-chain workflows or annotating positioning diagrams with the cohort. It runs in the browser and is included on all Figma plans; the Figma for Education program offers free upgrades for verified students and educators. Sticky notes, stamps, timers, and templates make live sessions lively; boards can hold anatomy mark-ups, exam checklists, or remediation flows. You can export frames as images to drop into Canvas or slides. For LMRT, try a weekly FigJam board with columns for Misconceptions, Worked Examples, and Clinic Tips to surface thinking. If you’re new to design tools, FigJam’s help docs and educator resources make onboarding quick.
Learn it fast (tutorials/videos):
Figma’s FigJam guide and a classroom-focused FigJam overview (video)
- Figma Help Center
- FigJam Overview (YouTube)
Slido — live polls, Q&A, and quizzes (inside Slides/Teams/Zoom)
Website: Slido for Education
What it is & why it’s useful
Slido lets you add live polls, quizzes, word clouds, and anonymous Q&A directly into Google Slides, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, and Webex—so you can check understanding without switching apps. It’s ideal for quick pulse-checks (“Which exposure adjustment fits this case?”) and end-of-week quizzes that surface misconceptions before the exam. Students can upvote questions, helping you address the most confusing concepts first. There’s a free tier to try; educators get special pricing for unlimited interactions. Setup is lightweight (add-on for Slides/PowerPoint), and results/analytics export cleanly. Use it in LMRT to run positioning image polls or radiation safety scenario votes during mini-lectures or reviews. (Slido)
Learn it fast (tutorials/videos):
How-to for Google Slides (article + video), plus practical tips.
- Slido.com – Live polling and Q&A for Google Slides
- How to use Slido for Google Slides
- Video (YouTube)
- Getting started (Cornell)
Loom — asynchronous video messages for updates & feedback
Website: Loom
What it is & why it’s useful
Loom records your screen + camera + mic so you can send quick video updates, worked problems, or individualized feedback—perfect for adult learners who can’t always make live sessions. The free Starter plan supports short videos and basic editing; education discounts are available through Atlassian for verified teachers and students. Recent updates include multi-language transcription and simpler sharing, making it easier to caption and skim. A typical LMRT use case is a 3–5 minute positioning correction or exposure math walkthrough students can replay on demand. The trade-off: longer libraries or HD archiving usually require a paid tier, so plan your storage strategy. Check your institution’s policies when sharing any student data in videos. (Loom, Loom Support)
Learn it fast (tutorials/videos):
Loom’s education quick-start and short “getting started” video tutorials.
Quick Notes:
- Data & privacy: All four tools offer education-friendly workflows; pricing/features can change—confirm your campus licensing and FERPA guidance before collecting student data or grades through third-party tools. (Links above go to official product pages and university support docs.)
- Variety of use: Forum/Q&A (Ed Discussion), visual collaboration (FigJam), real-time polls/Q&A (Slido), and async video (Loom) cover different collaboration modes.