This document discusses desktop web conferencing and its uses, benefits, and selection criteria. Desktop web conferencing allows participants to connect in real-time via the internet from their own computers to participate in meetings and teach courses remotely. It reduces costs while increasing productivity and flexibility. Selection criteria for these tools include ease of use, support, features, pricing, and integration with learning management systems. Examples of desktop web conferencing applications that meet various criteria are presented along with an overview of research results on using these technologies.

1. Desktop Web Conferencing: Participate in Meetings and Teach Courses from Anywhere in the World John Thompson, PhD Buffalo State College

2. Contents Uses Benefits Suggested selection criteria Desktop Web conferencing applications Research results 2 John T. Thompson, PhD

3. Desktop Web/Video Conferencing Internet-based technology where you are at your own computer & are connected in real-time to other participants via the Internet Typical Web conference has presenter(s) and remote participant(s) who can talk with & see each another, share documents & otherwise communicate & collaborate Common component of a Web conference is “screen sharing,” with participants seeing whatever is on the presenter's screen. Usually this is accompanied by voice & video communication 3 John T. Thompson, PhD

4. Desktop Web Conferencing - Benefits Reduces travel costs & time Increases productivity by decreasing travel Minimizes carbon footprint (i.e., green) Diminishes health & safety risks Reduces physical space related needs & cost 4 John T. Thompson, PhD http://www.freshvoice.net/eng/products.html

5. Desktop Web Conferencing - Benefits Expands learning – reach wider audience Provides cost-effective means of reaching attendees or students who are absent Increases flexibility & decreases response time Boosts satisfaction Enhances collaboration 5 John T. Thompson, PhD http://www.webtrain.com/meeting-screenshots.asp?sc=1

6. Possible Uses Teach synchronous classes – w/ audio & video – to/from anywhere Teach F2F & online (real-time) simultaneously Conduct live face-to-face meetings to/from on/off-campus locations Supplement or replace course management system (e.g., Blackboard) 6 John T. Thompson, PhD http://www.zoho.com/meeting/images/meeting-home-b.gif

7. Possible Uses Close boundaries (Digital Divide) based on location Provide live interaction w/ experts Share information in a secure environment Record presentation & upload it for online access 7 John T. Thompson, PhD

8. Selection Criteria Free or inexpensive or free trial Live audio, video & texting Vendor reputation Vendor provided support Quality of online documentation, including tutorials Easy to set up Degree of simplicity & ease of use Download and/or plugins required (host and/or attendees) Reliability 8 John T. Thompson, PhD

9. Selection Criteria (Con’t) Collaboration tools (both sides) Whiteboard w/ mouse pointer & drawing tools Transfer presentation control to participants Upload/receive documents (presenter & participants) during session Hand raising, etc. emoticons Group and private-chat Polling & testing Group meeting rooms for participants 9 John T. Thompson, PhD

10. Selection Criteria (Con’t) Number of remote sites that can be connected at one time (multi-point connections) Upload documents before session Animations & builds in PowerPoint Chat can be disabled for participants (e.g., if it’s distracting). Individual attendee can be blocked Conference system can be closed (i.e., invitation only) Meeting time limit Cross-platform functionality Mobile device support 10 John T. Thompson, PhD

11. Selection Criteria (Con’t) Number of video images at a time VOIP (Voice Over IP) &/or telephone choice Full/half duplex Mute audio Enlarge screen to size of application window Interface panels can be moved & resized Integrate w/ LMS Provide reports on session participation Archival capability (Can sessions be recorded?) Archive continuous or “chunked” 11 John T. Thompson, PhD

12. Cost/Pricing Options FREE Per participant per minute Monthly Yearly Free vs. paid versions (& different functionality levels) How many seats per license Extras (e.g., private branding) 12 John T. Thompson, PhD

13. John T. Thompson, PhD 13

14. 14 http://elluminate.com/index.jsp John T. Thompson, PhD

15. John T. Thompson, PhD 15

16. John T. Thompson, PhD 16 http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnectpro/

17. John T. Thompson, PhD 17 http://www.webex.com/

18. 18 John T. Thompson, PhD http://www.skype.com/

19. John T. Thompson, PhD 19 http://www.wiziq.com/

20. John T. Thompson, PhD 20 http://www.wiziq.com/

21. John T. Thompson, PhD 21 http://www.dimdim.com/

22. John T. Thompson, PhD 22 https://www1.gotomeeting.com/?Portal=www.gotomeeting.com

23. Research Results 23 John T. Thompson, PhD

24. Research Results 24 John T. Thompson, PhD

25. Research Results 25 John T. Thompson, PhD

26. Summary Uses Benefits Selection criteria Selected DWC applications Research results 26 John T. Thompson, PhD

27. Presenter John Thompson, Ph.D. Associate Professor Educational Technology Program Computer Information Systems Department Chase 208 Buffalo State College 1300 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 716.878.3531 thompsjt@buffalostate.edu 27 John T. Thompson, PhD