Learning Spaces: Virtual Conferencing

There are times when synchronous communication is important. Chat and instant messaging, audio and video conferencing are ways to provide this type of real-time interaction. From live awards ceremonies to expert speakers, virtual conferencing allows learners the opportunity to be actively involved in events that would otherwise impossible.

Let's explore four ways to interact in real-time web conferencing including chat and instant messaging, audio conferencing, and video conferencing. In addition to these three features, virtual conferencing may also include white boards and shared workspaces such as slide presentations, sofware applications, and file sharing.

 

Chat and Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (IM) involves real-time communication between two or more people through a network such as the Internet. Although instant messaging traditionally involves text-based sharing, many of the IM services now provide tools for sharing images, audio, and video.

After installing client software on your computer, you can have real-time text conversations with others who also have the client software installed. Most services have a "presence information" feature that indicates who on your contact list is available.

Although some people still use online chat technology using Interent Relay Chat (IRC), instant messaging is more common today.

Read Instant Messaging: IM Online! RU? by Robert Farmer in EDUCAUSE Review (Volume 40, Number 6, November/December 2005).

Examine Wikipedia Comparison of Instant Messaging Clients .

Read Mainstreaming Chat by Buff Hirko in Library Journal (October 15, 2005).

Chat Software for Your Website

• Gabbly (free). Can add or embed to your web page or blog. Can be added to a wikispace page so people can chat while they update a wiki.

 

 

Audio Conferencing

Voice over IP refers to using your voice over the Internet like a telephone. This is live, two-way audio communication.

Examine Wikipedia Comparison of VoIP software.

 

Audio Conferencing Hardware and Software

In addition to a service for conferencing, you'll also need a microphone. Most laptops now have embedded microphones. You can also purchase a microphone for less than $10 that can be plugged into your computer.

• Gizmo Project. This free, closed source, peer-to-peer, Voice over IP network uses open standards technology for Internet phone.
• Skype. This proprietary, closed source, peer-to-peer, Voice over IP network provides some free voice and video conferencing services.

 

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is live, two-way communication through audio and video communication. Whether you're down the hall or around the world you can connect with others through live video. Through NASA video and NASA direct events, children are even able to interact with people as far away as the International Space Station. In some cases questions are provided ahead of time, however in other events young people can interact live.

Explore The Easiest Way to Videoconference for ideas and "how to guides"

Explore Videoconferencing out on a Lim

 

Video Conferencing in Learning

There are many applications of video conferencing in the classroom.

Read iChat AV and iSight in the Classroom. Explore lesson plans for using virtual conferencing in the classroom.

Explore potential projects at iSightEd.

 

Virtual Conferencing Hardware and Software

In addition to software and an Internet connection, you'll also need a web cam and microphone. Some computers such as the new Macs come with a camera and microphone embedded in the monitor. However it's also possible to buy external cameras such as the iSight. You can also purchase an inexpensive "eyeball" type camera or hook up your video camera.

 

Web-based Software

• AOL Instant Messenger (text, audio, video)
• Google Talk (text, audio, video)
• MSN Live Messenger (text, audio, video)
• Yahoo Messenger (text, audio, video)

Other Software

• Apple: iChat (text, audio, video)
• Microsoft Office: Communicator, Live Meeting, (text, video, audio)

 

Links to the materials in this section can be found in the navigation bar on the left side of this page. Continue to the Learning Spaces: Collaborative Web & Wikis page.

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