In this article, we'll walk through how to set up and use ThinkHub MultiSite in a higher education classroom setting.
ThinkHub MultiSite allows higher education classrooms to connect and collaborate across multiple locations in real-time. This feature is ideal for distance learning, multi-campus courses, and collaborative projects between classrooms in different geographic areas. With MultiSite, instructors and students can share content, engage in discussions, and collaborate on activities, no matter where they are located.
1. Starting a MultiSite Session
Follow these instructions to start a ThinkHub MultiSite Session.
Once connected, each location will be able to share its content and interact in real-time with the other sites.
2. Sharing Content Across Multiple Classrooms
MultiSite allows instructors and students to share content such as PDFs, videos, images, websites, and live annotations across all connected ThinkHub systems.
Once content is shared to ThinkHub, it is automatically shared to the connected ThinkHubs in the same MultiSite session.
You have the option to Sync your views, or work on different areas of the Canvas.
To turn MultiSite Sync on, simply tap the MultiSite Panel and toggle on the Sync option (it will turn orange). This will align all connected locations to view and interact with the same area of the Canvas, ensuring that everyone is focused on the same content. Sync is useful when presenting key information, leading a discussion, or walking through a specific part of a lesson where you want all students to follow along in real time.
To turn Sync off, tap the MultiSite Panel again and toggle the Sync option off (so it is gray). This allows each location to work independently on different areas of the Canvas. You might turn Sync off during group activities or when you want students at each location to explore different concepts, solve problems, or contribute unique ideas without being tied to the same view. This flexibility helps foster independent learning while still keeping the option to re-sync and share progress with the larger group later.
3. Collaborative Learning and Group Activities
MultiSite is perfect for collaborative learning exercises, where students from different campuses can work together on group projects or problem-solving activities.
Example activities include:
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions
- Group presentations
- Joint problem-solving exercises across campuses
4. Real-Time Discussions and Annotations
MultiSite supports live discussions with real-time annotations. Instructors can lead discussions that involve multiple campuses, and everyone can participate by adding comments or drawing directly on the shared Canvas.
Some ways to use ThinkHub to create a more engaging class discussion include:
- Annotate directly on contect
- Use Notes for quick comments or feedback from students
- Invite students from any location to add their input by sharing their screens or interacting with the shared content.
5. Saving and Sharing the Session
At the end of the class, instructors can save the session and distribute it to students for future reference or further study.
To Save your Canvas, select 'Save' from the ThinkHub menu. This will save the entire ThinkHub Canvas, including annotations and shared content, so you can resume it at a future date.
You can also download a PDF of your Canvas and share it via email, LMS (Learning Management System), or cloud storage platforms, ensuring all students have access to the materials, regardless of their physical location.
6. Best Practices for Using MultiSite in a Classroom
- Plan collaborative activities: Leverage MultiSite to engage students in joint exercises between campuses.
- Encourage participation: Prompt students from all sites to share content and interact with one another during discussions.
- Record your Session: Consider recording your MultiSite sessions through video-conferencing apps (such as Teams or Zoom) for students to review later, especially if they're working across different time zones.