Web conferencing technology uses standard internet technology to hold
synchronous, fully-interactive meetings and events when participants are at a
distance. Participants can hear, see, speak with, and even collaborate with one
another from their computers. Participants simply connect via the internet to
the host web conference website.
For the most part, only basic computer equipment is required, and usually both
Windows and Mac platforms are supported. Participants need only
moderately-powerful computers and need no more than the slower internet access
speeds. Participants may want to acquire a headset (or speakers and a
microphone) and a web camera, if these are not built into their computer, to
enjoy the audio and video features of many web conference technologies, but
many web conference software programs include instant messaging, which empowers
interactions from anyone with a keyboard.
With this equipment, participants follow instructions provided by the meeting
organizer to connect to a website supported by the web conference host. There,
the meeting participant may be asked to provide login information supplied by
the meeting host. Once logged in, the user will see an interface with the tools
and design specific to the web conference vendor. From this webpage, users will
be able to attend or to offer presentations and to interact with other meeting
participants who have also accessed the webpage.
Web conferencing software usually supports internet-transmitted full duplex
audio, called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. It may also support video,
using webcams at participants’ computers. It may include other features, such
as instant messaging, surveys or quizzes, allowing participants to interact.
Frequently, web conferencing allows users to share applications, which means
that documents can be seen and edited by meeting participants at several
locations. Other tools may also be featured. Web conferencing, then, is
especially suited to collaborative meetings, such as task groups.
In other words, these features and capabilities mean that web conferencing
technology may be better suited than WSU’s videoconference system to some types
of meetings. Both video conferencing technology and web conferencing technology
include audio and, frequently, video, allowing event participants at different
locations to see and hear each other. Videoconference audio and video are far
superior, however, making videoconference the best technology for larger group
presentations and discussions.
But web conference technology’s differences from videoconference technology
suggest that web conferencing might be a valuable tool to add to the distance
communications toolbox. Video conferencing technology requires special
equipment, while web conferencing technology requires only internet access from
a computer, so it may be preferable when videoconference equipment is not
available. Videoconference technology can display documents for group input,
but only the presenter can make changes; web conferencing, on the other hand,
usually allows participants to share documents and to jointly make changes to
those documents. So it may be more useful than videoconference for active work
sessions. Videoconference technology uses TV monitors, while web conferencing
uses computer monitors, so web conferencing may be desirable when higher
resolution graphics and images are essential to the event. Ideally, the
technology should match the needs of the event's participants.
Since fall of 2005 Academic Media Services has conducted a pilot project to
identify possible uses for web conferencing technology within our university.
We have partnered with university units to share costs and explore
applications. After surveying and evaluating the available products, we
contracted with Saba Centra, Inc. a leading vendor of both hosted and
stand-alone web conferencing technology. Currently our group has contracted for
fifty concurrent user seat licenses for the 2008 calendar year.
To find out more or to schedule a demonstration, contact Charmaine Wellington,
Academic Media Services, 335-6524,
cwellington@wsu.edu |