This presentation reports on the evolution of a multi-university collaborative learning project that integrates analog and digital tools to support student collaboration. Building on previous student engagement projects, the initiative has expanded to include additional institutions, introducing new challenges related to initiating collaboration among students who do not share a common class, instructor, or institution.

Earlier iterations of the project demonstrated that analog tools, such as instant photography, effectively fostered student engagement and reduced feelings of detachment common in digital exchanges. However, while successful in promoting interaction, the logistics proved difficult to enact further collaboration in a timely manner. In response, the current phase will build a digital layer of communication on top of the analog student work to improve the speed and volume of exchange.

Students now collaborate on presentation-based projects using Google Vids, with completed media shared via the Padlet platform. This allows participants to asynchronously view and comment on peers’ work. This study examines how combining analog and digital tools influence collaboration, participation patterns, and learner interaction. These findings should be of interest to instructors concerned about digital fatigue and who desire to increase meaningful student engagement.