A detailed matrix comparing the functional capabilities of top online discussion tools (including Harmonize, Perusall, Piazza, and Slack). Quickly check features such as threaded replies, media embedding, searchability, anonymity, discussion analytics, and Canvas/FERPA compliance. Note: A matrix overview of popular discussion and collaboration platforms is available on the Online Discussion Tools Matrix page.
| Discussion Tool |
Embed presentations, videos and photos |
Threaded replies | Anonymous discussions | SSO with U-M account | Searchable posts | Taggable posts | Discussion analytics | See who is online | Embeddable with Canvas/FERPA agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Canvas Discussions | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Not available | Available |
| Google Docs | Available | Available | Not available | Available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Available | Available |
| Harmonize (LSA) | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Hypothes.is (LSA) | Available | Available | Not available | Available | Available | Available | Not available | Not available | Available |
| Padlet (semi-synchronous) | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Perusall (On Canvas; annotation software) | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Piazza (on Canvas) | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Slack | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Not available | Available | Available |
| Trello (semi-synchronous) | Available | Not available | Not available | Available | Available | Available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| YellowDig (LSA, Ross, SPH) | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |