Fact sheet: TU Cloud

Description

TU Cloud is the cloud storage service of TU Hamburg based on the open source software Nextcloud. It enables employees and students to upload, manage and share files via a web browser or the Nextcloud client software. In addition, TU Cloud offers integrated document editing with OnlyOffice and the option to create simple surveys in the Forms app. External users can be included via password-protected sharing links.

Use in teaching

• Gauging opinion The Forms section allows you to quickly create simple surveys and share them internally within TU or externally via a link.
• Gathering (spontaneous) feedback The Forms section allows you to gather spontaneous feedback from your students – without them needing to register.
• Encourage reflection Reflection questions can be provided as forms that students can fill out independently and anonymously, if necessary.
• Implement portfolio work Students can continuously collect and document their work results in personal or shared folders.
• Share and document knowledge Teachers and students can use shared folders to centrally store and maintain materials and results together.
• Collaborate with external parties External project partners can access files via shared links (password-protected if necessary) without needing a TUHH account.
• Organise project work For larger projects, a functional account with its own storage quota can be requested, which all participants can access.
• Write collaboratively With the integrated OnlyOffice function, documents, spreadsheets and presentations can be edited collaboratively directly in the browser.
• Collect material/results together Shared folders are ideal for bringing together results from group work or project phases in one central location.
• Share materials (internal/external) Teaching materials can be shared with specific individuals, groups or via a public link.
• Share materials spontaneously Files can be uploaded via drag-and-drop and shared immediately via a share link – e.g. during a course.
• Share large amounts of data (externally) Larger files can also be uploaded via the client software and shared externally via a link (upload via web interface up to 512 MB).

Stephanie Wichmann from the ZLL will be happy to advise you on the didactic use of the tool.

Technical requirements

A current web browser and an internet connection are required for use in the browser. You can log in with your personal TUHH login. The Nextcloud client software for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS is available for synchronising files on your own device. Files up to 512 MB in size can be uploaded via the web interface; via the client software, the file size is only limited by the remaining storage quota. All employees and students receive a storage quota of 10 GB (source: RZ Cloud-Dienst). For larger projects, a functional account with an extended quota can be requested.

Further links

• Cloud service – Information from the data centre (DE)
• Nextcloud client software – Setup and instructions (DE)
• Sharing – Sharing files with others (DE)
• OnlyOffice – Document editing in the TU Cloud (DE)
• Forms – Creating forms and surveys
• Nextcloud – Official product website

Costs

Use of the TU Cloud is free of charge for all TUHH employees and students. The Nextcloud client software for desktop and mobile devices is also available free of charge.

Data protection

GDPR-compliant RZ-Support RZ-Hosting Open Source

The data is stored exclusively on servers within the TUHH network. Transmission is encrypted in accordance with current security standards. The files are stored in plain text on the server; if special protection is required. Data can be encrypted additionally before uploading. The service is operated and administered by the TUHH data centre.

A service provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) at TU Hamburg.