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Web Conferencing

What is it? webconferencing image

A web conference, also known as a webinar, refers to meetings or live presentations over the Internet. In a web conference each participant is connected to the other participants in real-time via the Internet. Most webinars also include audio communication through audio conferencing or voice over IP and can sometimes include text chat. Other features of a webinar can include slide presentations, application sharing, webquests, file sharing, video, polls, and surveys.

Web conferencing is generally sold as a hosted fee-based or membership-based service. The University of Florida has web conferencing capabilities through Elluminate Live! and the tools available in E-Learning at UF.

Web Conferencing

What are the educational uses and benefits? webconferencing image

Synchronous Presentations
  • Can replace lectures in distance education classes or augment activities in face to face classes.
  • Instructor and students can participate in synchronous discussions and web presentations.
  • Allows for dynamic distance presentations that allow audio, video, and student participation.
  • The quick paced medium can allow for greater information sharing.
  • Allows users to give greater context to information in a rich environment.

Web Conferencing

How do I get started? webconferencing image

Web Conferencing through a Hosted Service
  • Web Conferencing hosts will require a username and password.
  • Many sites will require that you schedule your meeting in advance, however some sites will allow for spontaneous meetings.
  • To start an online meeting set the date and time of the meeting and enter the email addresses of the attendees in the “schedule a meeting” section of the site. An email will be sent to the attendees with a link to the meeting.
  • To join the meeting the attendees click on a link in the email that they were sent. Most sites will also allow users to join a meeting by logging in to the site.
  • After the attendees are present the instructor can proceed with the meeting.
  • Some hosted services may require a telephone connection for audio during the web conference.
  • This can be as simple as a speakerphone on a telephone or can involve users connecting via the Internet to transmit audio data between sites. This can be done with software programs such as Skype.
  • Other sites, such as Elluminate Live! simply require users to connect via a microphone and audio input in the computer in order to use audio.
Web Conferencing through Elluminate Live!
  • The instructor and the students must have a username and password.
  • The instructor can schedule a meeting in the Elluminate Live! virtual classroom.
  • The instructor and students login during the scheduled meeting time and enter the classroom.
  • **Note** By January of 2008 Elluminate will be integrated with Vista 4 / E-Learning at UF; however, users who are interested in utilizing Elluminate will have to buy into the UF Elluminate license to have the tool made available pending further funding from the University.

Web Conferencing

Where can I learn more? webconferencing image

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