Web Conferencing

Web Conferencing Overview

Image Source: https://flic.kr/p/bTb7Z2 / CC BY 2.0

Image Source: https://flic.kr/p/bTb7Z2 / CC BY 2.0

Web conferencing programs are available for use in your courses. Penn State provides students, staff, and faculty with access to the Zoom conferencing program. This web conferencing systems allows groups to meet, present, and collaborate synchronously online.

Participants in a web conferencing session can do the following:

  • Have discussions using voice and/or text chat
  • Write, draw, and paste images on a shared whiteboard
  • Conduct polls and give quizzes
  • Simultaneously view web pages, PowerPoint presentations, video, and other multimedia
  • Use breakout rooms to work in smaller groups
  • View or share documents or software running on any participant’s computer
  • Record sessions for later viewing or review

The only equipment required to participate in a web conferencing session is a computer with speakers and a connection to the Internet. For audio/video discussions, those speaking will need a microphone, headphones (preferably a USB headset with noise cancellation), and a webcam.

Reasons to Use a Web Conferencing System

For instructor use include hosting guest speakers, holding virtual office hours, leading test review sessions, and teaching class sessions online. For student use include working in study groups, completing peer review activities, and collaborating on group projects

Web Conferencing Supported by Penn State

Penn State uses Zoom as its main web conferencing tool. Resources and support for Zoom can be found at Zoom at Penn State. There are also Learning Path resources for hosts and for participants.  All faculty, staff and students have the ability to create their own Zoom meeting rooms.

Penn State faculty, staff, and students have access to Google Meet as part of the Google Workspace. Google Meet is an instant messaging and video chat platform developed by Google. According to Google, Meet provides real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers. You can learn more about using Meet through the Google Workspace for Education Learning Path.

Penn State also supports Microsoft Teams conferencing.  Teams uses the technology from Skype, and some faculty have found Teams to be a useful tool as it includes web conferencing along with a host of communication and collaborative features.  More information on Microsoft Teams can be found on Penn State’s Office 365 Learning Path for sharing and collaboration.

 

Web Conferencing Best Practices