This presentation forms part of a training session by Catherine Leyland and me, at University of Leicester on 16 May, 2014. Uses of webinars in higher education academic settings are discussed.

1. www.le.ac.uk
Introduction to Webinars for Academics:
Adobe Connect
Terese Bird
Academic Practice Service and
Institute of Learning Innovation
tmb10@le.ac.uk
14 May, 2014

2. What will we talk about?
• What is a webinar?
• Tech
• Webinar uses
– Lectures
– Meetings
– Focus Groups
– Training
– Conferences
– Assessment

3. What is a webinar?
• Internet-facilitated browser meeting, possibly
comprising voice, video, and computer-based
demonstration
• Cross between Skype and the old video-conferencing
• AND IT RECORDS!
• Software:
– Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate, Go-To-
Meeting, Webex
– Free versions: BigBlueButton, Google Hangouts

4. Tech
• Computer with internet connection – wired
connection is best
• Microphone
• Headphones – absolute must
• Webcam optional
• Always do Audio Setup Wizard
• (under Meeting)
• Plug in headphones, then launch browser, then click
on meeting link, then do Audio Setup Wizard.

5. We use Adobe Connect
• Windows, Macs, but not Linux
• iOS and Android devices need app
• Can be fiddly
• Email ithelp for
a Connect account

6. Lectures
• … with both face-to-face and remote participants
• Participants type chat only (no microphones)
• Start with webcam on
• Turn off webcam if problems
• Have someone watch chat
• Contact ITS to book equipment

7. Meetings
• Send email
• Webcam is important
• Everyone will need a microphone
• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with
microphone
• Only one speaker at a time
• Try the whiteboard!

8. Focus Groups
• Everyone will need a microphone
• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with
microphone
• Only one speaker at a time
• May want to aim the webcam at something else

9. Case study of Maths Assessment
• Students presented their work to overseas
companies
• Everything was recorded for review and grading

10. Contact us for advice!
• Terese Bird tmb10@le.ac.uk
• Catherine Leyland cl250@le.ac.uk