Web Conferencing Overview
According to Margaret Rouse, “Web conferencing is a form of real-time communications (RTC) in which multiple computer users, all connected to the Internet, see the same screen at all times in their Web browsers. Some Web conferencing systems include features such as texting, VoIP (voice over IP), and full-motion video.”
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 system 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:
- hosting guest speakers
- holding virtual office hours
- leading test review sessions
- teaching class sessions online
For student use:
- working in study groups
- completing peer review activities
- 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 Hangouts and Google Meet as part of the Google Workspace for Education. Hangouts is an instant messaging and video chat platform developed by Google. According to Google, Hangouts bring conversations to life with photos, emoji, and even group video calls for free. Hangouts allows you to connect with others using a computer as well as with Android and Apple devices. You can learn more about using Hangouts through the Learning Path for G Suite. Google Meet provides additional features security and more participants than Hangouts.
Alternative Tools
There are many free alternatives to Zoom. However, these third party options are not supported by Penn State, nor protected by Penn State’s firewalls. If Zoom or Hangouts do not meet your needs, Skype is another possible option. Skype is a popular collaborative tool used by faculty to increase online collaboration and interactivity. It is owned by Microsoft and is available for most platforms. You can download Skype or get technical assistance at the Skype website. Some faculty have found Microsoft Teams is 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
- ASEE: Best Practices for Engaging Users in a Web Conferencing Environment by Giovanna Badia and April Colosimo, McGill University
- FDA: Accessible Web Conferences and Webinar Best Practices
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Videoconference Course Configuration – tips for teaching via videoconferencing that can be used for multiple different course configurations including:
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Classroom to classroom(s)
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Classroom to student(s) computer(s)
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Classroom to classroom(s) + student(s) computer(s)
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Instructor computer to classroom(s)
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Instructor computer to students(s)
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Instructor computer to classroom(s) + student(s)
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