Web Conferencing
Web Conferencing Tools
Austin Community College (ACC) supports the following web conferencing tools:
- Google Meet
- Webex
- Zoom
Google Meet
Google Meet is part of the Google Suite available to ACC faculty, staff, and students.
- Attachments can be shared through Google Calendar announcements or Google Drive.
- Meetings include automatic live captions (note: accuracy is not guaranteed).
View Google Meet Knowledgebase articles
Webex
Webex can be used on any device — PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone — to set up audio or video conferences with colleagues or students.
- Supports up to 1,000 participants, though only 25 are visible at once.
- Includes automatic live captions (not 100% accurate).
View Webex Knowledgebase articles
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars. It is the newest web conferencing tool available at ACC.
- Gallery view supports up to 49 participants per screen.
- Licensed accounts: unlimited meeting time with up to 300 participants.
- Polling available (learn more about Zoom Polls).
- Breakout Rooms available (learn more about Breakout Rooms).
- Closed captioning can be entered by the host or assigned participant, or generated after recordings.
- Post-meeting reports available when enabled in settings
(learn more about Zoom Reports). - Co-hosting available — hosts can allow another person to start a meeting.
View Zoom Knowledgebase articles
Class for Zoom
Class for Zoom is an additional app designed for teaching.
- Available on iPad and Android tablets (not phones).
- Includes a Personal Meeting Room with an “Office Hours” feature (not widely available to faculty).
Important Note on Auto-Captioning
Auto-captioning in Google Meet, Webex, and Zoom is a helpful accessibility feature but is not 100% accurate. Faculty should monitor captions for accuracy.
Training and Support
- Teaching Consultations: Get ideas on how to implement web conferencing tools into your courses. Request a Consultation
- Training: Educational Technologists are available to provide training. Request Help
- Workshops: Learn more about teaching and learning tools. View the TLED Calendar
Contact us
For updates or additional support, email [email protected]. To report outdated page content, email [email protected].
Need help deciding which web conferencing tool to use? See the comparison chart below.
Web Conferencing Tools: Comparison Chart
| Features | Google Meet | Cisco
Webex |
Zoom | Class for Zoom |
| Max. # Simultaneous Video | 50 | 25 | 49 | 300 |
| Max. # Simultaneous Audio | 50 | 25 | 300 | |
| Max. # Participants | 250 | 2,000 | 300 | 300 |
| Chat Feature | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can Record Session | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| File Sharing Capabilities | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Screen Sharing Capabilities | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Polling | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Whiteboard | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Breakout Rooms (Group Work) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Remembers Content for Reuse | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Live Captioning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Chat Transcripts Available | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Attendance Reports | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Students can Create a Session | ✔ | |||
| Voice Over Internet Protocol | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Voice Over Phone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Mobile Device Capable | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated with Blackboard | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Green Screen Compatibility | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Waiting Room feature | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Personal Meeting Room | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Video Pinning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Blur/Virtual Background | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Web Conferencing FAQ
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What web conferencing tools are available for ACC faculty and staff?
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Can faculty use other web conferencing platforms not supported by ACC?
No. Faculty must use one of ACC’s supported platforms.
- Platforms must meet College Accessibility standards (AR 1.01.002).
- Supported platforms have been vetted for accessibility and institutional compliance.
- If you find a tool with instructional potential that is not currently supported, you may
submit a proposal to the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee for review.
Faculty are encouraged to work with TLED’s Academic Technology Support team to stay informed about emerging technologies.
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Which web conferencing platform works best for students in High School Programs?
There is no single “best” tool. The right choice depends on:
- Internet availability and stability in each area of Austin
- Course design and instructional needs
- Student accessibility requirements
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What is ACC doing to improve internet and device access for students?
- Device distribution: Since Spring 2020, ACC has provided iPads (1,500 kits currently available) and laptops as needed for specific courses.
- Peripheral support: Students can request headsets, microphones, webcams, and other devices.
- Internet access: Wi-Fi is available in ACC parking lots for students without reliable home internet.
- Subsidy program: ACC is monitoring the FCC’s new internet subsidy program and will share details once it launches.
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How can I get involved in piloting new teaching technologies?
TLED’s Office of Academic Technology leads pilots each year to test emerging tools.
- Opportunities to apply are announced through the Office of Faculty Communications.
- To request institutional review of a new tool, contact: Matthew Evins, Director of Academic Technology at [email protected].
All proposals go through a formal review, including accessibility testing and feedback from the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee.
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Which web conferencing tools do students prefer?
While ACC has not conducted a formal survey, anecdotal feedback suggests:
- Zoom is the most preferred by students.
- Nearly all Student Affairs video conferences with students use Zoom.
- For accessibility: Zoom’s superior video refresh rate makes it the required platform when working with deaf students using sign language interpreters.
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Where can I find web conferencing tips?
For etiquette guidelines and best practices, visit:
Tips for Web Conferencing Your Class