Coming soon – Join our Slack Community of Practice (in Slack!).

What is Slack?

Slack is a powerful collaboration platform that brings together messaging, file sharing, and integrations with other tools into one streamlined interface. It's designed to replace email as the primary method of communication and coordination within organizations.

Why you might want to use Slack in your course/team/research group

1. Improved Communication:
   • Real-time messaging for quick questions and answers.
   • Organized conversations in channels for specific topics or courses.
   • Direct messaging for private discussions.
2. Enhanced Collaboration:
   • Easy file sharing and collaborative document editing.
   • Integration with popular education tools (e.g., Google Drive).
   • Creation of study groups or project teams within channels.
3. Increased Accessibility:
   • Mobile app for on-the-go access.
   • Asynchronous communication allows for flexible participation.
   • Searchable message history for easy reference.
4. Streamlined Administration:
   • Centralized announcements and updates.
   • Efficient management of multiple classes or departments.
   • Quick polls and feedback collection.
5. Resource Sharing:
   • Pinned messages for important information.
   • File sharing for course materials and assignments.
   • Integration with learning management systems.
6. Community Building:
   • Channels for extracurricular activities and interests.
   • Easy way to organize events and meetups.
   • Fosters a sense of belonging in virtual learning environments.

Best practices for using Slack in an educational environment

1. Create clear channel naming conventions.
2. Set expectations for response times and online etiquette.
3. Use threads to keep conversations organized.
4. Leverage integrations to streamline workflows (see also Useful Slack Integrations for Educational Environments).
5. Regularly archive inactive channels to reduce clutter.
6. Encourage participation and engagement from all members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Check out our Slack at UMD – Frequently Asked Questions doc for answers to common questions people have about Slack at UMD.

Getting Started

1. Download the Slack app or access it via web browser.
2. Join our Slack Community of Practice (CoP) channel to get your feet wet if you don't already use Slack.
3. Set up your own Slack workspace via slack.com/signup if you're ready to use it with your own team.
4. Don't hesitate to ask questions and engage with the community!

Join our Slack Community of Practice

Interested in learning more about how to effectively use Slack in education? Join our Community of Practice (coming soon)! We will meet bi-monthly to discuss best practices, share tips, and explore new ways to leverage Slack in our university environment.

For additional support or questions, please contact the IT Service Desk via eit-help@umd.edu.