– Synchronous: Webcast
B. Web-Based Conferencing for Demos and Q&A Sessions via Webcasting with Adobe Connect
Background
Module 3 of this course introduces some challenging concepts and students often require a demonstration of how to work thorough some technical procedures.
- This is the first time web-based conferencing and webcasts will be used and they serve a dual purpose:
- To familiarize students with online / web-based conferencing tools
- To reach out to students who may be beginning to struggle – to help make the environment more personal able by putting a few faces to names, etc.
- Using live, real-time broadcasting using computer systems and the Internet, provides a way for students to ask questions orally and to hear audible answers (not only from the Instructors but also the voices of their peers)
- This helps address the needs of auditory learners, and provides a way to present content in yet another format, and to increase interactivity (one to many communication during the review/demonstration, and many to one communication during then question and answer period, and many-to-many communication during the exchanges among all participants).
- When learners see and hear each other during a live conference, this helps them get to know each other better!
- Not only can they put a face to a name they can also see each other’s smiles and facial expressions, hear voice intonations and laughter
- All this helps to personalize the environment – because we all feel more connected as each of us becomes more recognizable and we seem a bit more human :>)
- Not only can they put a face to a name they can also see each other’s smiles and facial expressions, hear voice intonations and laughter
At the end of Week 3, learners are asked to sign up to attend one of four scheduled online conferences:
- They are provided tips about the peripherals that will help them maximize their experiences with web-based conference
- They are provided a setup guide for preparing and testing their systems prior to the conference
- BTW: Every 2-3 weeks, we will schedule a similar Review & Check-In (for Modules 4 through 7 and again for the Course Wrap and Final Integrated Assignment.
Note to Instructor
A description for Week 3 – Attend an Online Web-Based Conference re Mod 3 is described below – the actual Conference information is located in the Moodle course at the end of Week 3 the last two items under the Mod 3 Wrap: Poll: Attend an Online Web-Based Conference re Mod 3 Wrap and Setup Guide for Web Conferencing with Adobe Connect. The actual web-conferencing software we use is Adobe Connect (we have used it through BCcampus since 2005 (originally Breeze) and it has worked very well for us and our students.
- Again, the limitation of synchronous communication is always that it is a scheduled event, and is sometimes difficult to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Also, some students may not have access to various peripherals such as speakers/headphones, mic, web cams, etc., and therefore, may not be able to participate to the same level as those more privileged.
- Students are at first hesitant to attend web-based conferences, there is yet another layer of technology – downloading new plugins, setting up new hardware/peripherals, etc. Some are even shy and perfer not to be seen on camera, and that’s ok…they can still have a voice through either speaking or sending text message questions and comments during the conference…and they can watch and hear the demos.
- We do have a few short sessions on different days of the week and time of day for the first couple of web conferences, in order to accommodate a variety of student schedules. A goal of the first session, is to let students become accustomed to web conferencing and work out the kinks with new peripherals, etc. This is in preparation for further online conferences that are integral to the course delivery and also for transfer of learning to students who need to attend online conferences related to their work – so better to practice with us and in the safety of the online course, before they need to use this type of technology and communications on the job.
Synchronous Web-Based Conference Activity Description
Attend an Online Web-Based Conference re Mod 3 Wrap
Two broadcasting dates/times relate to Windows XP and two dates/times relate to Windows Vista.
- Sign up to attend only one -or- sign up to attend one on XP and Vista:
- IF these dates/times don’t work for you – don’t worry !
- We will post a link to a webcast – so you can watch a recording of the event to see/hear what we reviewed and the exchange of questions and answers.
- Unfortunately, you will not be able to participate – and we’ll miss your input!
- Note: You are responsible to review the following document and prepare and test your system prior to the conference: Setup Guide for Web Conferencing
- For tips to maximize your conference experience, click here
| Windows XP – Mon, Oct 5th 8:30am | Windows XP – Mon, Oct 5th 8:30pm | Windows Vista – Mon, Oct 5th 9:30am | Windows Vista – Mon, Oct 5th 9:30pm | Both Windows XP & Vista Mon, Oct 5th 8:30am & 9:30am | Both Windows XP & Vista Mon, Oct 5th 8:30pm & 9:30pm |