# What Are Collaboration Tools and How Can They Enhance an LMS? | Capterra > Collaboration tools are software platforms that enable individuals to work together via the internet. Learn how collaboration tools enhance the LMS experience. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/lms-collaboration-tools --- Education & LearningCollaboration # Enhance the LMS Experience with Collaboration Tools By Stephan Miller Stephan Miller Stephan Miller is a writer and software developer specializing in software and programming topics. He has written two published books and is a frequent contr... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/smiller/) Published April 26, 2023 7 min read ## Want to improve student satisfaction with your LMS? Collaboration tools might be the answer. Learning management systems (LMS) are ubiquitous among small-scale educational institutions. While these platforms provide a useful way to manage coursework and deliver content to students, an LMS on its own might not create a satisfactory learning experience. In today's educational landscape, students need to collaborate with their peers and instructors in real time. If your [learning management system](https://www.capterra.com/learning-management-system-software/) doesn't offer or lacks a robust collaboration tool, we can help you find the right solution for your needs.  Let's explore what exactly collaboration tools are, how they can benefit educational institutions, and how they can integrate with your existing LMS to enhance the student experience. ## What are collaboration tools? [Collaboration tools](https://www.capterra.com/collaboration-software/) are software applications that enable individuals to work together in real time via the internet. With these tools, users can share files, communicate, and collaborate on projects simultaneously, from anywhere. Common collaboration tools include [video conferencing software](https://www.capterra.com/video-conferencing-software/), [live chat apps](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/), shared workspaces, and [project management tools](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/). There are a wealth of benefits that come with using collaboration tools, such as: - **Foster teamwork and group problem-solving:** Bring team members together from many different locations, allowing them to jointly and efficiently work on projects and assignments. - **Improve communication:** Make it easier for team and group members to share ideas, troubleshoot problems in real time, and discuss what they're working on. - **Encourage active learning:** Promote group discussions, debates, and collaborative problem-solving. - **Enhance accessibility:** Make information more accessible by allowing team members to participate in group projects and discussions from anywhere with an internet connection. The takeaway: Collaboration tools are increasingly relevant to educational institutions because they can help to improve the overall learning experience. With these applications, students can collaborate more effectively and learn from their peers, instructors can provide more individualized feedback and support, and the organization itself can create a more engaging and interactive learning environment. ## How do collaboration tools complement an LMS? ### Structured learning vs. social learning Structured learning refers to an organized and pre-planned learning environment with a specific curriculum, objectives, and assessment measures. In structured learning, students follow prearranged learning activities, which are often sequenced and delivered in a linear fashion, and there is usually little interaction or collaboration between students. In contrast, [social learning](https://www.capterra.com/resources/successfully-launch-social-learning-programs/) refers to the process of learning through social interaction. It is based on the idea that people can learn from observing the behavior of others, and promotes learning through discussion, group work, and social interaction. This approach recognizes that students have different learning styles and that they learn best when they can work and exchange ideas with their peers. ### An LMS is crucial for structured learning, and adding a collaboration tool facilitates both approaches Structured _and_ social learning are important in education, and collaboration tools can help facilitate both approaches.[\[1\]](#sources) Learning management systems provide a structured framework for delivering content and tracking student progress. Collaboration tools, on the other hand, provide a platform for social learning by enabling students to interact with one another and their teachers to collaborate on assignments.  Major LMS vendors already offer integration with many workspace collaboration tools, allowing educational institutions to provide a hybrid approach that combines structured and social learning for a holistic educational experience. _A view of multiple features in_ [_Canvas_](https://www.capterra.com/p/127214/CANVAS/)_, including course list, a forum, and worksheet_ ## Why use collaboration tools when you already have an LMS? Adding collaboration tools to your institution's software stack will benefit both students and teachers. Here are some reasons to consider using collaboration software in conjunction your LMS: ### Supports active learning models An active learning strategy requires students to engage in the learning process by discussing, thinking, investigating, and creating. By using tools such as video conferencing and discussion forums, instructors can create an environment that fosters dynamic learning and allows students to participate, engage, and interact with each other. ### Builds work-ready digital skills The collaboration tools that students use in the classroom can be similar to software they will eventually use in the modern workforce. The skills learned in the classroom using tools such as [online collaboration platforms](https://www.capterra.com/collaboration-software/s/free/) and [project management software](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/) are in high demand with employers, and will make students more prepared and successful in the workforce. ### Improves student motivation and engagement Collaboration tools can encourage a positive learning atmosphere and help build confidence. By allowing students to work together on projects and share ideas, they can better understand the course material and put their critical thinking skills to use, which can result in higher retention rates and better grades. ### Enables personalized learning experiences Instructors can use these tools to design personalized learning experiences for their students. Online collaboration platforms and video conferencing allow teachers to offer one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to students who are struggling with course material and need more support, which gives high-performing students the ability to work ahead and explore more advanced topics. ### Encourages peer-to-peer learning By using collaboration tools in the classroom setting, students can learn from one another instead of solely relying on their teacher. Online forums and real-time chat platforms enable students to share their knowledge and explain new concepts from their own perspectives. This approach facilitates faster subject matter comprehension. This collaborative process can also contribute to the development of communication and teamwork skills. ## What are the key features of collaboration software? Collaboration tools come with a wealth of features that allow people to work together on tasks and projects, regardless of their location or time zone. They help with communication, planning, and knowledge-sharing among team and group members.  Here are some typical features you will find in collaboration software: - **Communication tools:** Built-in communication features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and email integration give teachers and students the ability to communicate in real time. - **File sharing and document management:** Real-time [file sharing](https://www.capterra.com/file-sharing-software/#buyers-guide-content) between educators and learners ensures that the entire class has access to the most current version of a document or resources. Some tools even enable simultaneous editing, allowing multiple users to work on the same document at the same time. - **Project management:** This can include [task lists](https://www.capterra.com/task-management-software/s/free/), [calendars](https://www.capterra.com/calendar-software/), and timelines to help students stay organized and on track with their coursework. - **Security:** Robust security features such as [user authentication](https://www.capterra.com/authentication-software/), [encryption](https://www.capterra.com/encryption-software/), and [data backups](https://www.capterra.com/backup-software/) ensure that sensitive information is protected and coursework is never lost. ## Select the right collaboration tools to enhance learning Making education a more collaborative experience begins with selecting the right tools. There are many types of collaborative software that can help in the classroom, including some you may already use personally or professionally. Here are a few types of tools to explore: ### Video conferencing With [video conferencing](https://www.capterra.com/video-conferencing-software/), instructors can teach online, set virtual office hours, and lead group discussions. But video conferencing isn't just a replacement for the classroom. With it, a class can take virtual trips around the world, host guest speakers who can't travel to your school, and work with students in other classrooms. ### Collaborative writing applications/document management software These [writing applications](https://www.capterra.com/document-management-software/) offer a beneficial experience for both teachers and learners because they allow teams to create documents together while tracking individual contributions and maintaining a revision history. Such tools build on the features of word processors and reflect new ideas in real time to anyone who views the document. _Real-time document editing in_ [_Google Docs_](https://www.capterra.com/p/160756/Google-Docs/) ### Digital whiteboards To prepare for the writing process, it is important for students to first brainstorm. [Digital whiteboards](https://www.capterra.com/whiteboard-software/s/free/) work like old-fashioned chalkboards, just virtually. They provide a shared space for multiple students to simultaneously share their ideas and expand on someone else's thoughts. ### File sharing applications [File sharing software](https://www.capterra.com/file-sharing-software/) allows students to share documents, videos, and other files with each other and instructors. These applications make it easy for students to access course materials, submit their work, and collaborate on group tasks. Some popular file sharing applications also have built-in collaborative writing tools. Capterra can help you find the right collaboration tools for your LMS Finding the right collaboration tools to enhance your LMS depends on the unique needs and demands of your educational institution. Teachers and administrators should assess individual and collective requirements to guide their search for the right software.  To learn more about the types of collaboration tools that can provide a better educational experience, explore these resources: - [10 Best Collaboration Tools For Education Professionals](https://www.capterra.com/resources/top-collaboration-apps-for-education-professionals/) - [Collaboration Software Buyers Guide](https://www.capterra.com/collaboration-software/#buyers-guide) - [Explore School Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/school-administration-software/) * * * _Note: The screenshots of applications included in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations._ Sources 1\. [Should Workplace Collaboration Tools Displace the Higher Education LMS?](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3999773), Gartner * * * Looking for Learning Management System software?Check out Capterra's list of the [best Learning Management System software](https://www.capterra.com/learning-management-system-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Stephan Miller](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/smiller/) Stephan Miller is a writer and software developer specializing in software and programming topics. He has written two published books and is a frequent contributor to Capterra. ### RELATED READING - [How To Choose an LMS With Confidence: Insights From Real Buyers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/learning-management-software-buyer-insight/) - [7 Top-Rated AI Learning Management System Software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-learning-management-system/) - [What Is LMS Software? 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