Running a session
Choose participant response types
Enable the response tools that suit an activity and understand what participants can submit.
Reviewed 26 September 2026 · Current Ed.ie interface
Choose the available inputs
Open Room controls and find Participant inputs. You can independently enable:
- Text responses;
- GIF responses;
- Drawings;
- Image uploads; and
- Image embeds in written Markdown.
Changes appear on participant screens. Turning an input off removes that input for new work but does not delete content already submitted.
Collect text and drawings
Text responses can contain up to 2,000 characters. Participants can use the formatting controls for simple Markdown.
The drawing pad collects pen strokes rather than a conventional uploaded image. A drawing can be submitted on its own or alongside text when both inputs are available.
Collect GIFs and images
GIF search is available only when it has been configured for this Ed.ie installation. Searches and selected media use GIPHY; participants should not put names, student IDs, or sensitive details into search terms.
Private image uploads are also configuration-dependent. When available, Ed.ie converts the image in the participant’s browser to remove metadata before upload. Uploaded images are visible to authenticated hosts, not to other participants.
Image embeds controls remote images included in written Markdown. This is separate from a private image upload.
If the session closes while someone is writing
The participant can still read the prompt, but a new response cannot be submitted while Accepting responses is off. Reopen access if you want them to finish and submit. Their unsent draft may still be visible in that browser, but participants should not rely on it being retained.
Troubleshoot missing or failed responses
- Confirm Accepting responses is on.
- Confirm the required input is enabled under Participant inputs.
- Check whether Screen submissions is holding the response as hidden.
- Remove prompt and time filters under Display & filters.
- Use Refresh responses.
For failed images, try a smaller common image format and confirm Image uploads is enabled. If the image control is absent for everyone, uploads may not be configured on this deployment.