Instructional Software & Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud products include Adobe Acrobat, which allows faculty to create and edit PDF files. Other popular Adobe products include Photoshop and Illustrator. All current faculty and staff have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud; see Adobe Creative Cloud in ServiceNow for instructions (MySWC login required). 

Camtasia is screen-capture and video production software from TechSmith. This advanced software has all the bells and whistles, allowing users to edit, animate, and annotate video. To learn how to get this software, read the instructions on the Snagit & Camtasia page in ServiceNow (MySWC login required).

The G Suite Apps icon at the top of the MySWC portal is your gateway to several productivity tools: word processing, spreadsheet, slide presentation, and cloud-based storage. Students also have access to G Suite and can submit work from G Suite directly into Canvas Assignments. Learn more and access FAQs on the Google G Suite page.

Office 365 offers a range of productivity tools: word processing, spreadsheet, slide presentation, and cloud-based storage. Students also have access to Office 365 and can submit work from Office 365 directly into Canvas Assignments. Learn how to request Office 365 access, including downloadable applications, on the Office 365 for Staff & Faculty page.

Padlet is a fun, bulletin board-type software that promotes class interactivity. Users can make brief posts on their Padlet, adding images, links, and video to enhance their work. While Padlet does not currently integrate with Canvas Grades, it's still an innovative way to encourage regular effective contact. Visit Canvas Essentials to create your free SWC Padlet account.

Snagit (part of SWC's TechSmith license) can be used to capture and annote screenshots. It's also an ideal choice for making simple videos to humanize your course and create video feedback. Snagit lets users fluidly shift between recording content on the screen and the instructor via webcam. To learn how to get this software, read the instructions on the Snagit & Camtasia page in ServiceNow (MySWC login required). 

Videoconferencing made easy! SWC Zoom is the CCC-sponsored version of Zoom meeting software. SWC employees may request a free licensed account. Host one-on-one meetings with students in real time, lead students in review sessions, and set up meetings of all sizes. Zoom also integrates with Canvas; see the Canvas Essentials Zoom module for full details.

Kick your discussions up a notch with VoiceThread, an interactive multimedia discussion and assessment software. VoiceThread allows students to annotate content as well as leave text, audio, and video comments. Instructors are also able to use VoiceThread as a quizzing or portfolio tool. Training is required prior to installation; see the Distance Education front page for current trainining options.