General
Who is this toolkit for?
This toolkit is meant for students looking for ways to virtually connect with friends, family, and classmates. The aim of the toolkit is to empower these students to facilitate their own connections by providing access to information on various platforms designed for keeping people in touch.
Who created this toolkit?
This toolkit was created by a student-led team in the Innovation Hub. You can read more about our work here!
Are the platforms in the toolkit endorsed by UofT?
No, each of the platforms have been independently researched and are not endorsed by the University. Please be cautious and make sure you understand the risks of the platform before using it!
Are any of these platforms UofT supported?
While UofT does provide free access to some of these platforms, these are only considered supported by the University when you have been invited by a faculty member or staff. When using free licensed software independently or with friends, they are not considered UofT supported. Platforms that provide free access for UofT students are indicated with the UofT icon.
I have some ideas...how can I contribute to the toolkit?
Know a platform we didn't include? Have an idea for how this toolkit can be more accessible? We're always open to hearing feedback on how we can make this toolkit better! You're welcome to submit an idea here or contact us at innovationhub@utoronto.ca
Tips and Best Practices
Is it alright if I record my group gathering?
Always make sure you get consent of all your participants before recording any online gatherings! Let them know how you intend to use the recording, where it will be stored, who can access it, etc. It's also good practice to become familiar with and inform your participants of the platform's recording functionality - for instance Zoom's recording feature not only captures audio and visuals, but also provides the host with chat transcripts (including private chats!)
What should I be aware of when using these platforms?
Don't use your UTORid and password for login details. Make sure not to share or submit coursework over these platforms. Avoid sharing personal information, such as:
- financials (e.g. credit card information)
- social insurance number (SIN)
- student ID
- UTORid