Web Tools
The Catalyst Web Tools are a set of Web-based communication and collaboration applications designed for use in teaching, learning, research, and everyday work. Use of the Catalyst Web Tools is free to anyone in the UW community. To access the Catalyst Web Tools, click Web Tools Login and log in with your UW NetID.
Learn more about the tools:
File dropboxes
CommonViewClass or project workspaces
File ManagerWeb-based file management
GoPostDiscussion boards
Group ManagerParticipant groups
Peer ReviewCollaborative forums
PortfolioOnline portfolios
Portfolio template building
QuickPollOne-question polls
ShareSpacesSpaces for file sharing
SimpleSiteWeb sites
UMailWeb-based email forms
WebQSurveys and quizzes
How Catalyst Builds Web-based Software
To develop flexible and usable software, the Catalyst team follows a user-centered design and development process. Understanding the needs and experience of our users is key to this process, and design decisions are guided by user feedback, usability studies, and user research. Learn more.
The Catalyst Web Tools are built using Solstice, a Web application development framework created by the Catalyst team. Solstice is available open source, as are many of the tools, such as WebQ, GoPost, CollectIt, QuickPoll, FileManager, and ShareSpaces. The Solstice framework allows the Catalyst team to quickly build and release software, new features, and new functionality. Learn more about the latest releases.
Continuous Improvement
For new releases and regular maintenance, Web Tools are offline Wednesdays, 5-7am PT.
Learn more.
Catalyst User Experience (CUE) Team
Join CUE and help us design tools that better meet your needs.
Web Tools for Teaching?
Help Center Teaching Guides have suggestions on how to best integrate the Web Tools into your class.
Profiles of Technology Use
Stories of innovation about educators who are using technology in creative, effective ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the tools work?You can create and use the Tools with only a Web browser. Most tools have two distinct interfaces: one for owners (faculty, staff, librarians, and teaching assistants) and one for participants (students, research subjects, etc).
What Web browser should I use?View the recommended Web browsers for use with the Catalyst Web Tools.
How much space do I get?You get as much space as you need.
How long will my stuff stay around?Your data is only accessible as long as you have a UW Net ID.
Can students use the Web Tools?Yes. Students are invited and encouraged to use the Web Tools.