This document discusses the benefits and selection criteria for desktop web conferencing software as a replacement for face-to-face classes and meetings. It notes that desktop web conferencing can reduce costs and increase productivity by decreasing travel time, while also expanding access to learning and boosting collaboration. A number of possible uses are described, including teaching synchronous classes with audio and video or supplementing a learning management system. Selection criteria include price, ease of use, reliability, supported features, and pricing options. Several example desktop web conferencing platforms are listed.

1. Desktop Web Conferencing: Replacement for F2F Classes & MeetingsJohn Thompson, PhDBuffalo State College

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

3. 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 collaborationhttp://www.mybluetrain.com/

4. Possible Uses Teach synchronous classes – w/ audio & videoTeach F2F & online simultaneously Conduct live F2F meetings to/from on/off-campus locations Supplement or replace LMShttp://www.zoho.com/meeting/

5. Possible Uses Close location boundaries (Digital Divide)Provide live interaction w/ expertsShare information in a secure environmentRecord session & upload it for online access

6. Selection CriteriaPriceVendor reputationLive audio, video & texting Quality of online documentationEasy to set up (downloads or plugins needed?)Degree of simplicity & ease of useReliabilityVendor provided support

7. 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 participants

8. Selection Criteria (Con’t)Number of remote sites at one time Upload documents during/before sessionAnimations & builds in PowerPointChat can be disabled for participants Individual attendee can be blockedConference system can be closed (i.e., invitation only) Meeting time limit Cross-platform functionalityMobile device support

9. 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 participationCan sessions be recorded?Recording continuous or “chunked”

10. Cost/Pricing OptionsFreePer participant per minuteMonthlyYearlyFree vs. paid versions (& different functionality levels)How many seats per licenseExtras (e.g., private branding)

12. Skypehttp://www.skype.com/

13. VuRoom (Skype plugin)http://vivu.tv/vivuweb/

14. Elluminatehttp://www.elluminate.com/

15. Adobe Acrobat Connect Prohttp://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/

16. GoToMeetinghttps://www.gotomeeting.com

17. Webexhttp://www.webex.com/

18. WiZiQhttp://www.wiziq.com/

19. Dimdimhttp://www.dimdim.com/

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