Evaluating Web Conferencing Systems for Instructional Use Andrea Eastman-Mullins University of North Carolina, Office of the President Alexander Street Press Robert A. Hambrick North Carolina State University Copyright by the authors, This work is the intellectual property of the authors. Permission is granted for this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that this copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is by permission of the authors. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the author.

Evaluating Web Conferencing Systems Agenda 1.Web Conferencing in Higher Education 2.The UNC SLMS Task Force Evaluation ( ) 3.Product Strengths and Weaknesses Adobe Breeze 5 Saba Centra 7.5 Elluminate 6.5 Horizon Wimba Questions & Discussion

What is a Synchronous Learning Management System (SLMS)? A virtual classroom system that brings together voice, video, data and graphics in a structured group-learning environment. Some of the major features include: Live Audio and Video Conferencing Integrated Text Chat (public & private) Feedback Tools (polls, yes/no, raise hand, applause) Application Sharing Interactive Whiteboard Web Browsing Breakout Rooms Surveys & Tests

Instructional Benefits  Student-Centered Learning  Interactive Discussions  Lifelong Learning Styles  Media-rich Course Materials  Immediate Student Feedback  Flexibility  Intimate Community of Learners

Synchronous Tools TypeBenefits Audio conferencingDiscussions and dialogue Web browsingInformation sharing and presentations Video conferencingIn-depth discussions with higher-touch interactions Audio boardsAudio file submission and recording Instant messagingAd hoc, threaded communication WhiteboardingCo-creation of concepts and ideas Application sharingCo-development of materials; skill development Polling & QuizzingImmediate student feedback Breakout RoomsCollaborative spaces EmoticonsAffective representations File TransferDistribution of content

The University of North Carolina “How can we do more together?”

UNC TLT Collaborative A consortial organization within the UNC Office of the President that provides vision and shared resources in support of teaching and learning with technology programs and initiatives on the 16 UNC campuses. Vision The TLTC will advance collaborative processes that empower teachers, learners, providers of instructional support, and decision makers to make the best possible use of technology in promoting learning. About the UNC TLT Collaborative

UNC SLMS Task Force  Pilot Program: Centra, Elluminate, Horizon Wimba, and Adobe Breeze  TLTC Board requested a Task Force evaluation of SLMSs for potential system-wide use  36 members representing 14 of 16 UNC campuses  Evaluation Process Developed evaluation rubric Group demos and small workgroups Listserv and Wiki  Final Report to UNC TLTC Board (April 2006)

UNC System Priorities  Features & Functionality Instructional Tools SLMS Performance Accessibility Cross-platform support LMS Integration System Administration  Evaluation Rubric UNC TLTC SLMS Evaluation Rubric and Report

Evaluation: Centra Symposium 7.5  Strengths High quality VoIP, video, whiteboard, and AppShare Threaded text chat discussions Content management Intuitive Interface  Weaknesses Cross-platform support LMS integration Accessibility

Update: Centra Symposium 7.6  Recording Studio  Surgient Virtual Lab Integration  LMS Integration  Mac Intel Support  Closed Captioning  Screen Reader Support Additional Product Information

Evaluation: Elluminate 6.5  Strengths High quality VoIP, video, whiteboard, and AppShare Accessibility LMS integration Participant management  Weaknesses Single microphone PowerPoint file resolution Content management

Update: Elluminate 7.0  Full Duplex Audio Option for up to four simultaneous microphones  Content Library Moderator can store files in advance of session  File Transfer Files available in recorded sessions  Other Interface Enhancements User profiles, accelerator keys, AppShare snapshot Additional Product Information

Evaluation: Horizon Wimba 4.2  Strengths LMS Integration, cross-platform support Assessment tools Wimba Voice Tools External User Devices  Weaknesses Feedback tools Multiple user interface Whiteboard

Update: Horizon 5.0  Improved interface and functionality Pronto (IM+VoIP), Course Genie, Virtual Network  Expanded assessment options Additional question formats  Two-way video application share Multiple video displays  External user devices EUDs can participate in polling, VoIP,.mp3 Additional Product Information

Evaluation: Adobe Breeze 5  Strengths Customizable interface Hands-free microphone Content library Flash plug-in  Weaknesses Inconsistency in audio quality Participants lack ability to interact Fewer options for feedback Customization increases learning curve

Update: Acrobat Connect Professional  Announcement and name change in Sep 2006  New features coming in Nov/Dec 2006 Improved VoIP capabilities, “Always-on” meeting rooms Launch directly from Adobe Reader 8 Improved guest, participant login Step-by-step connection diagnostics Other server-side enhancements  Breeze 5 remains the current version Additional Product Information

UNC SLMS Task Force Next Steps  UNC 16-Campus System Master agreements being negotiated. Changed plans for a system-wide implementation.  Individual Campuses Rubric available for campuses to do their own evaluations based on unique needs. More information: More information:

Questions & Discussion Andrea Eastman-Mullins Robert A. Hambrick