Transcript
Product
Three Videoconferencing Technologies Available for Class Use at MHC
What is it?
Videoconferencing Room
Set up and equipment
What is it good for?
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Basic desktop meeting software which is available for free. (A paid subscription is required for group, rather than one-to- one, videoconferencing.)
Skype is good for a situation where all that’s desired is a one-to-one connection with basic tools. For example, in the classroom, it can be an easy way to bring a remote speaker to the class.
Skype is well-known around the world, so it is an option with which many international collaborators are likely to be familiar. Skype can be downloaded and installed on Windows (2000, XP, Vista, 7), Mac (OS X), and Linux.
Multi-featured, web-based desktop meeting software for which MHC owns a subscription. •
Adobe Connect is good for group meetings with participants across multiple locations, online instruction, and shared document development when more sophisticated tools are needed, such as break-out rooms, shared whiteboard, etc.
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Adobe Connect works on major platforms (Windows, MAC, Linux) and only requires Adobe Flash.
To download Skype go to
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Users will require an internet connection, microphone and a webcam.
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http://www.skype.com/intl/enus/get-skype/ .
To reserve one of MHC’s online conference rooms in Adobe Connect, contact RIS at
[email protected].
Users will require an internet connection, microphone and a webcam. A headset is recommended.
Videoconferencing room system with dedicated phone lines and hardware. •
The video conferencing room is good for group meetings across multiple locations, situations where you desire high quality video and low-lag connections, and where large groups want to communicate remotely.
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LITS staff will assist in setting up a videoconference using a video conferencing room.
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Contact LITS Media Services at
[email protected] or x3163 at least two weeks in advance to schedule a videoconference in Williston 418.
Product
Videoconferencing Room
Notable Features
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Skype allows desktop sharing. Files of any type can be sent from one user to another via Skype.
Skype provides chat along with audio and video calls.
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Useful Links
Ease of Use
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The learning curve for Skype is shallow - its generally pretty easy! This is one of its best features.
Adobe Connect has shareable whiteboards, documents, audio, video, desktop viewing tools, and chat tools.
Adobe Connect includes up to 5 breakout rooms.
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The videoconferencing room system can share documents of any type using document cameras and desktop mirroring.
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The learning curve is shallow to use the videoconferencing room system during a conference session.
Meetings in Adobe Connect can be recorded and viewed online or downloaded as a Flash video file.
Adobe Connect can share PDF, Powerpoint presentations, webpages, Flash Video, MP3 audio, and image files. The learning curve for session participants is moderately shallow. Adobe Connect includes roles for session moderators and presenters for whom somewhat more understanding of the program’s capacities/troubleshooting is recommended.
Videoconferencing Etiquette: http://tinyurl.com/vc-etiquette Skype Support Site: https://support.skype.com/ Adobe Connect Support Site: http://tinyurl.com/adobe-connect-start
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Some assistance from LITS is usually needed in setting up a session with another institution.
Contact your LITS Liaison to discuss using videoconferencing in your course: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/lits/liaisons.html
