Technology Tools

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A system to match voters to parties based on their concerns and preferences

A system for tracking politician's promises

Webinar and video conferencing provider that has advanced moderation and webinar recording features. Zoom is among the most popular/utilized webinar platforms. Zoom is a good option for recording video, hosting breakout rooms, allowing for simultaneous translation, and automated closed captioning.

Little known before the pandemic, Zoom gained prominence in 2020 and is now the leading conferencing tool in 44 countries. Unlike Google Meet which only works with an Internet browser, Zoom users must download and regularly update an application on their computers and mobile devices. Zoom has added a browser-based tool, but most users still use the downloaded application.

The inconvenience of having to download a separate application is made up for by the additional tools available to meeting hosts, such as the ability to mute individuals and record meetings in the cloud. Where Zoom really stands out, however, is as a tool for webinars and with its advanced accessibility features. Automated transcription and closed captioning, while not perfect, is a great accessibility feature especially in contexts where participants are not fluent in the language used on the call. Zoom also has features that enable professional interpreters to offer simultaneous interpretation in multiple languages, a feature that has been particularly handy for NDI programs that support cross-regional dialog.

A live video streaming service that integrates with Zoom and other video conferencing or webinar tools.

Similar to Google Meet or Zoom for video conferences, but more secure because the platform has end-to-end video encryption.

A cloud storage service for documents and other files.

Invite-only online groups that help create a collaborative workspace.

Google tool available through Google Workspace that serves a digital analog to putting stickies on a wall.

Integrated with Google Workspace, video conferencing tool that enables easy scheduling of group video calls, and has automated closed-captioning built in. The tool is primarily browser-based so attendees are not required to download the app to join a meeting from their computer, but joining a call does require attendees to sign into a Google account. Meet is great for larger meetings, but is less effective for webinars or meetings that require simultaneous interpretation.