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Evaluating Web Conferencing Systems for Instructional Use
Andrea Eastman-MullinsUniversity of North Carolina, Office of the President
Alexander Street Press
Robert A. HambrickNorth Carolina State University
Copyright by the authors, 2006. 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
Agenda1. Web Conferencing in Higher Education
2. The UNC SLMS Task Force Evaluation (2005-06)
3. Product Strengths and Weaknesses
Adobe Breeze 5
Saba Centra 7.5
Elluminate 6.5
Horizon Wimba 4.2
4. 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
Type BenefitsAudio conferencing Discussions and dialogue
Web browsing Information sharing and presentations
Video conferencing In-depth discussions with higher-touch interactions
Audio boards Audio file submission and recording
Instant messaging Ad hoc, threaded communication
Whiteboarding Co-creation of concepts and ideas
Application sharing Co-development of materials; skill development
Polling & Quizzing Immediate student feedback
Breakout Rooms Collaborative spaces
Emoticons Affective representations
File Transfer Distribution of content
The University of North Carolina
“How can we do more together?”“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 ProcessDeveloped evaluation rubricGroup demos and small workgroupsListserv 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 Reporthttp://www.unctlt.org/initiatives/slms/index.htm
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 Informationhttp://www.saba.com/products/centra/index.htm
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 Informationhttp://www.elluminate.com/academic_edition.jsp
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 Informationhttp://www.horizonwimba.com/products/liveclassroom/
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 Informationhttp://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnect/
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:
http://www.unctlt.org
More information:
http://www.unctlt.org
Questions & Discussion
Andrea Eastman-Mullins
aeastmanmullins@astreetpress.com
Robert A. Hambrick
robert_hambrick@ncsu.edu