Which tool would best help students collaborate outside of class for a research project?

Google Docs comments is the best tool for facilitating collaboration among students working on a research project outside of class. This feature allows multiple users to access the same document simultaneously, enabling them to share their research findings, make edits in real time, and leave comments for one another. This capability encourages communication and collaboration, as students can respond to each other's comments, ask questions, and provide feedback directly within the document.

Moreover, Google Docs maintains a version history, so students can track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary, which adds an extra layer of ease in managing collaborative work. The platform's integration with Google Drive ensures that all project materials are stored in a centralized location, making it convenient for students to access and contribute at any time.

Other tools mentioned may have collaborative features, but they don't support the same level of real-time editing and commenting directly on the document. For instance, Microsoft Word may allow for collaboration, but it doesn't offer the seamless online experience that Google Docs does. Zoom Meetings focuses on live communication but doesn't provide a space for collaborative document editing. PowerPoint presentations allow for group work, but they are not specifically designed for text-based collaboration like a research project would often require.