WEB CONFERENCINGRosebud Cluster Day February

2010Emma Schafer

What is Web Conferencing? Web conferencing software allows groups of people to

meet and collaborate online from their own computer.

Presenters and participants interact using a variety of features such as: audio, video, instant messaging, shared interactive whiteboard, polling, file sharing and application sharing.

Web Conferencing is used to: conduct live meetings, train people or give presentations via the Internet.

Participants have either a downloaded application on their PC’s or take part in a web based meeting by following a link sent to them to enter the conference.

Features of Web conferencing

Slide show presentations: Powerpoint and keynote slides are presented while the presenter discusses the slides.

Live or streaming video; Webcam, digital camera or multimedia files are presented to the audience.

VoIP: Real time audio communication Meeting recording: Presentation activity is recorded for future

reference Whiteboard, Annotation: Highlight or mark items on the slide

presentation and/ or make notes on a blank whiteboard. Text chat: Love question and answer sessions for people in the

conference. Polls and Surveys: Presenter directs multiple choice questions

to the audience. Screen, Desktop & Application sharing: Participants can

view the presenters screen.

Some ideas for how web conferencing may be useful in your classroom:

Have an expert visit your classroom Contact an author or poet Connect with other schools around the world Use to support transition work between

primary and secondary schools.  Story Telling Web Conference as part of a ‘Book Day’ Have a conference with a historical character

Examples of Web Conferencing providers:

Communicator: Provided free for edumail to edumail accounts (No whiteboard)https://www.edumail.vic.gov.au/EduMailOnline/cquickguides.htm

Skype: Free download (No whiteboard) http://skype.com/intl/en/

Dimdim: online, open source. No installation of software required. Can host meetings for up to 20 people free of charge (more with a premium acct)http://www.dimdim.com

Elluminate: Online Conference space provided by DEECD for many participants, Vroom for up to 3 participants free through elluminate http://www.elluminate.com/

What is Elluminate?

Elluminate is: the software currently used by the Department to provide web

conferencing to staff and educators around Victoria. The diagram below displays the main features of an Elluminate web conference.

easy to install and use – you don’t need to download any large software files

easy to join – all you have to do is click on a link in an email or website to enter a web conference

cross platform - it supports Windows PC, Mac, Solaris, or Linux optimised for low bandwidth - you can interact with little lag

time, regardless of internet connection speed, even at 28.8.kbps

recordable – even if you miss a session, you can view it online at a later stage.

Elluminate session link:

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=2007026&password=M.C2548966E58836EF14D9099452E684

Checking your Connection

Introduction to the elluminate interface

Elluminate Tools

Participants Window

Raise/Lower Hand Emoticons Polling Step Away

Audio Permission to use Microphone Audio Setup Utility

Tools Audio Audio Setup Wizard

Optimal Microphone Setting

Chat Window Permission to use Chat Send a Text Message

Public Private

Whiteboard Tools

Permission to use the Whiteboard

Tools

Laser Pointer

Clip Art

Filled Rectangle

Filled Ellipse

Eraser

Highlighter

Text Editor

Selection

Pen

Text

Ellipse

Rectangle

Line

Import an Image

Screen Capture

Polling Types

Yes/No Multiple Choice Slowdown/Speedup Class Pace

Responses will appear in the Participants window if the moderator has selected to show them

So, let’s get interactive & find out about each other

Secondary Teacher Primary Teacher

Principal/Leadership Role

Education Support

Brainstorm – How might you use web conferencing in your classroom?

15 Tips for successful web conferencing

1. Develop a Web Conferencing Mindset2. Clearly identify objective for the WC.3. Prepare your materials ahead of time.4. Log into session ahead of time to check settings and pre load files.5. Ensure you allow time for ‘social interaction’ in each WC6. Plan your questions ahead of time... Because you cant see the body

language.7. Remember , you can accomplish many different objectives during your

WC.8. Share responsibilities during your WC (it is often useful to have more

than one moderator).9. Use WC for short “ad hoc” virtual meetings as required.10. Use WC “typing” feature to record key points of a discussion.11. Remember to ask questions and use polls to maintain interactivity of

WC.12. Get input from participants on “things that are new”.13. Build comfort and confidence through practice.14. Don’t be afraid to try things.15. Have fun!

Where to from here?

Click on the link below to watch a recording of this session: https://sas.elluminate.com/mrtbl?suid=M.8C1DF3BC1F62069EF678021E5B17E1

Don’t forget to visit the Virtual Conference Centre to check for DEECD Session:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/researchinnovation/virtualconferencecentre/default.htm

Elluminate Resource Materials

Visit www.elluminate.com/training for: User Guides Quick Reference Guides Recorded Training Sessions Register for Live Training Sessions

Elluminate Technical Support http://www.elluminate.com/support/

The Elluminate User Group available from www.learncentral.com

3 for Free vRoom www.elluminate.com/vroom/