www.le.ac.uk

Webinars for Learning, Teaching, and Research

Terese BirdLeicester Learning Institutetmb10@le.ac.ukTeaching & Learning Focus Week18 September, 2014

What will we talk about?• What is a webinar?

• Tech

• Webinar uses– Lectures– Seminars– Training– Meetings– Focus Groups– Assessment

What is a webinar?• Internet-facilitated browser meeting, possibly comprising

voice, video, and computer-based demonstration

• Cross between Skype and the old video-conferencing

• Basically: Powerpoint, webcam, speaking, typed chat

• AND IT RECORDS!

• Powerpoint must be loaded in; can also demonstrate desktop so can show anything! (But showing live video is fiddly)

• Software:– Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate, Go-To-Meeting,

Webex– Free versions: BigBlueButton, Google Hangouts

Tech• Computer with internet connection – wired

connection is best

• Microphone

• Headphones – absolute must

• Webcam optional

• Always do Audio Setup Wizard (under Meeting)

• Plug in headphones, then launch browser, then click on meeting link, then do Audio Setup Wizard.

We use Adobe Connect

• Windows, Macs, but not Linux

• iOS and Android devices need app

• Can be fiddly

• Email ithelp for

a Connect account

Lectures, Seminars, Training• Decide if both face-to-face and online participants, or

if only online (easier)

• Participants type chat only (no microphones)

• Start with webcam on

• Turn off webcam if problems

• Have someone handle the chat

• Contact ITS to book equipment

Meetings

• Send email

• Headphones necessary

• Webcam is important

• Everyone may wish to speak into a microphone

• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with microphone

• Only one speaker at a time

• Try the whiteboard!

Focus Groups

• Everyone will need a microphone

• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with microphone

• Only one speaker at a time

• May want to aim the webcam at something else

• Let everyone know you are recording, if you do

Case study of Maths Assessment• Students presented their work to overseas companies

• Everything was recorded for review and grading

Case study of student-led tutorials

• Students like it and don’t feel intimidated even if tech doesn’t go perfectly

Student figured out how to set up a quiz for fellow students!

Contact us for advice!

• Terese Bird tmb10@le.ac.uk

• Catherine Leyland cl250@le.ac.uk