GSE Web Conferencing Pilot Using Elluminate Summer 2007

What is “web conferencing”? Web conferencing is a synchronous online delivery technology where facilitators and participants can communicate and collaborate together in real time. GSE is participating in a University-wide pilot around the use of web conferencing. At GSE, the web conferencing application in use is Elluminate. Elluminate

Potential Uses of Web Conferencing Academic uses: Virtual guest speakers visiting bricks-and-mortar class sessions Virtual class sessions for snow days and other emergencies Virtual section meetings, office hours, and other consultations Student collaboration/project work Virtual faculty collaborations for research and other academic but non-class related events Administrative uses: Online chats with prospective students, current students, current staff, alums Virtual meetings to collaborate on documents, walk through slides, documents, web sites together Virtual professional development and technical training overviews “Webinars” and other events

Web Conferencing Features Voiceover IP (VoIP) Ability to walk through slides and visit web sites together Application sharing, desktop sharing, and the ability to pass control of applications to participants A “virtual whiteboard” and annotation tools Polling for both just in time and pre-planned polls Emoticons that the participants can use to “virtually” raise their hands, clap, or express mood Online chat where the facilitator and participants can communicate via text messages Virtual breakout rooms for smaller group work Optional web cam video of the facilitator and the ability to have participants share their web cam video one at a time

Technical Details Cross-platform (i.e. PC, Mac, etc) Browser neutral (i.e. use IE, Firefox, Mozilla, etc) Need soundcard and speakers or headset with microphone and to download a plug-in Optimized for low bandwidth (as low as 56k) Hosted solution (i.e. uses Elluminate servers) Compliant with ADA accessibility compliance and other standards (more info)more info Can record events for playback at a later date (i.e. archiving) and use as source content for later digital asset development

What needs to happen? Moderator: 1.Meets with LTC to think through how to leverage the platform for best learning for particular event, decide whether to use a “driver,” and work out other details 2.Completes online training and a brief system check 3.Shares session URL and tech details with participants 4.Joins the session! Participant: 1.Obtains headset with mic 2.Completes a brief system check 3.Joins the session!

A “Driver” Not mandatory but encouraged, esp. at first Extra set of hands Does not need to be in same physical location as moderator Administrative / technical role Driver could be TF, PITF, LTC staff, other staff, faculty member!

Cost

GSE Events So Far TIE program alumni chat S-030 virtual office hours ExEL planning meeting Consultation between Gutman librarians and USP students Career Services Office virtual sessions as part of their career planning online summer workshop Meeting between staff members from three departments, some on site and one off site

Feedback on First Event It was a wonderful experience…I look forward to participating in more events such as this one. [I liked] being able to speak, listen, type, show some reactions (applause, confusion) [I liked] emoticons and the ability to use text or VOIP. I love being able to review the slides, chat, and listen to the conversation as needed. This was such a cool thing to participate in. This was a great experience. This was a fantastic experience! THANKS! I really like this technology.

Learn More Contact Kristin LofbladKristin Lofblad Visit the GSE web conferencing knowledge centerGSE web conferencing knowledge center Visit ElluminateElluminate Sign up for Elluminate training eventsElluminate training events Visit Elluminate’s vRoomvRoom Visit sample vRoomsample vRoom