1. Sultan Qaboos University
College of Education
Instructional and learning technologies
Unit about:
Done by:
Shamsa Al-Muqbali (92099)
Noora Al-Tabei (94985)
Course:
Distance Education

2. Definition of web- conferencing service:
•
Web conferencing refers to a service that allows conferencing events to be
shared with remote locations. The service allows real-time point-to-point
communications as well as multicast communications from one sender to many
receivers.
Figure 1web -conferencing
Objectives of using the web-conferencing in DE:
Use the internet to bring together meeting participants in an online forum for
communication.
The amount of travel and resources required is reduced significantly, making
it a cost-effective measure.
It is often easier for people to connect online, making each meeting more
efficient.
Features of web- conferencing service:
Slide show presentations
Live or Streaming video
Screen sharing/desktop sharing/application sharing
Web tours and Text chat
Meeting Recording

3. Advantages of web- conferencing service:
Save time, money and resources.
Easily accessible to everyone.
It involves real time communication.
Enhance learning via web. (Online teaching, online learning and e-learning).
Comes with features such as desktop and application sharing.
Disadvantages of web- conferencing service:
Not all software is free, and the free software is limited in what it can achieve.
More informal than face – to – face.
Requires suitable hardware and adequate training to be able to function.
Depend on the speed of internet.
Costs to maintain and keep up with new technology.
Technical difficulties. It requires computer, microphones, social media
accounts and login information.
Security breaches.
Concerns about this technology:
Security Breaches (There's always some kind of security risk to
communication carried out online.
Technical Difficulties (Most online web conference hosting services are allencompassing and only require that attendees have a computer, Internet
connection and login information).
Human Interaction (Perhaps the most significant drawback to web conferences
is the lack of actual face-to-face interactions and networking that most people
enjoy participating in at conventional conferences.

4. References:
Advantages of Web Conferencing | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/about_4612105_advantages-web-conferencing.html#ixzz2A7o5fG00
Disadvantages of Web Conferencing | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/list_6665514_disadvantages-conferencing.html#ixzz2A7q5lxB5