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, 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.
Transcript
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
