Web Conferencing at UB SSW

Steven Sturman

Instructional Designer

Introduction

• What options are available• Which software works best for what• What are some of the limitations• In future sessions we will have hands on

training for these options

Software that is Available

• Blackboard Collaborate• Microsoft Lync• Google Hangouts• Skype• Web Conferencing through Parker 206

and Baldy 653 and Baldy 684 starting in 2014

Which for What?

• All of them allow you to video chat with your students

• Each one allows you to record your sessions for later usage

• Some allow you to share content along with the conversation

• Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses

Quick Feature ComparisonCollaborate Lync Google

HangoutSkype

Capacity 1 to 50 1 to 250 You + 10 1 to 25

Best Use Lecture and instruction

Office hours / small meetings

On the fly Bringing in guest speakers

Advantages • Most dynamic interactive tools

• Geared specifically towards education

• Do not need to schedule

• Ability to share and collaborate on documents

• Quick and easy to set up

• Allows sharing of google docs

• Little learning curve

• Higher quality voice and video

• More international features

Disadvantages • Limited availability

• Need to schedule

• Learning curve

• Geared more towards meetings

• Few interactive tools

• Small group

• Extra software needed

Collaborate

• Geared specifically towards the education market

• Best tool for lectures and larger groups of participants

• Has breakout rooms, raise hands, polls, text chat, feedback options

• Share Content, White Boards, Application Sharing

Collaborate

• Can jump right in, but larger learning curve with all the extra tools

• Need to schedule specific days and times• http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Coll

aborate/overview.aspx

Microsoft Lync

• Everyone has this installed on their desktop• Best for office hours small groups and

meetings• Integrates with Outlook for scheduling and

managing meetings• Can Share Documents, Share Desktop,

White Boards• Can be used at any time without the need to

schedule ahead

Microsoft Lync

• Students also have access to Lync so they can use it for group work or collaboration on their own

• http://www.buffalo.edu/ubit/service-guides/conference/virtual-conference.html

Google Hangouts

• Quick and easy means for impromptu meetings

• All you need is a google+ account• Limited to 11 participants• No extra features just video or audio chat• Hangouts on Air allows webinars• http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hango

uts/

Skype

• Allows video and audio calls• Best for bringing guest speakers into your

class• Higher quality video and audio• Can connect over the phone• Need special software to connect• Need to purchase software to record• http://www.skype.com/en/what-is-skype/

Learn More

• Check out the sites linked in the presentation

• Contact Steve or Tony and let us know which software you are interested in learning how to use

• We will be scheduling meeting times to meet online with people so that you can try them out