Desktop Web Conferencing: Participate in Meetings and Teach Courses from Anywhere in the WorldJohn Thompson, PhDBuffalo State College

ContentsUsesBenefitsSuggested selection criteria Desktop Web conferencing applications Research results 2John T. Thompson, PhD

Desktop Web/Video ConferencingInternet-based technology where you are at your own computer & are connected in real-time to other participants via the Internet Typical Web conference has presenter(s) and remote participant(s) who can talk with & see each another, share documents & otherwise communicate & collaborateCommon component of a Web conference is “screen sharing,” with participants seeing whatever is on the presenter's screen. Usually this is accompanied by voice & video communication3John T. Thompson, PhD

Desktop Web Conferencing - BenefitsReduces travel costs & timeIncreases productivity by decreasing travelMinimizes carbon footprint (i.e., green) Diminishes health & safety risksReduces physical space related needs & cost4John T. Thompson, PhDhttp://www.freshvoice.net/eng/products.html

Desktop Web Conferencing - BenefitsExpands learning – reach wider audience Provides cost-effective means of reaching attendees or students who are absent Increases flexibility & decreases response timeBoosts satisfaction Enhances collaboration5John T. Thompson, PhDhttp://www.webtrain.com/meeting-screenshots.asp?sc=1

Possible Uses Teach synchronous classes – w/ audio & video – to/from anywhereTeach F2F & online (real-time) simultaneously Conduct live face-to-face meetings to/from on/off-campus locations Supplement or replace course management system (e.g., Blackboard)6John T. Thompson, PhDhttp://www.zoho.com/meeting/images/meeting-home-b.gif

Possible Uses Close boundaries (Digital Divide) based on locationProvide live interaction w/ expertsShare information in a secure environmentRecord presentation & upload it for online access7John T. Thompson, PhD

Selection CriteriaFree or inexpensive or free trialLive audio, video & texting Vendor reputationVendor provided supportQuality of online documentation, including tutorialsEasy to set up Degree of simplicity & ease of useDownload and/or plugins required (host and/or attendees) Reliability8John T. Thompson, PhD

Selection Criteria (Con’t)Collaboration tools (both sides)Whiteboard w/ mouse pointer & drawing toolsTransfer presentation control to participantsUpload/receive documents (presenter & participants) during sessionHand raising, etc. emoticonsGroup and private-chatPolling & testingGroup meeting rooms for participants9John T. Thompson, PhD

Selection Criteria (Con’t)Number of remote sites that can be connected at one time (multi-point connections)Upload documents before sessionAnimations & builds in PowerPointChat can be disabled for participants (e.g., if it’s distracting). Individual attendee can be blockedConference system can be closed (i.e., invitation only) Meeting time limit Cross-platform functionalityMobile device support10John T. Thompson, PhD

Selection Criteria (Con’t)Number of video images at a timeVOIP (Voice Over IP) &/or telephone choiceFull/half duplexMute audio Enlarge screen to size of application windowInterface panels can be moved & resized Integrate w/ LMSProvide reports on session participationArchival capability (Can sessions be recorded?)Archive continuous or “chunked”11John T. Thompson, PhD

Cost/Pricing OptionsFREEPer participant per minuteMonthlyYearlyFree vs. paid versions (& different functionality levels)How many seats per licenseExtras (e.g., private branding)12John T. Thompson, PhD

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14http://elluminate.com/index.jspJohn T. Thompson, PhD

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John T. Thompson, PhD16http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/

John T. Thompson, PhD17http://www.webex.com/

18John T. Thompson, PhDhttp://www.skype.com/

John T. Thompson, PhD19http://www.wiziq.com/

John T. Thompson, PhD20http://www.wiziq.com/

John T. Thompson, PhD21http://www.dimdim.com/

John T. Thompson, PhD22https://www1.gotomeeting.com/?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com

Research Results23John T. Thompson, PhD

Research Results24John T. Thompson, PhD

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SummaryUsesBenefitsSelection criteria Selected DWC applications Research results26John T. Thompson, PhD

PresenterJohn Thompson, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorEducational Technology ProgramComputer Information Systems DepartmentChase 208Buffalo State College1300 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14222716.878.3531thompsjt@buffalostate.edu27John T. Thompson, PhD