Category Number I

Communication and Web-conferencing Tools

Keywords communication, communication barriers, webinars, webconferencing, on-line meetings

URL address of suggested tools Skype www.skype.com WiZiq www.wiziq.com Vyew www.vyew.com Acrobat Connect www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html Other suggested tools Elluminate www.elluminate.com DimDim www.dimdim.com Mikogo www.mikogo.com Rationale Both outside and inside the classroom the need for unbarriered communication is wide-spread. Thanks to the invention of communication and web-conferencing tools people can communicate with each other easily and economically over the Internet allowing to break away the barriers caused by distance and different locations of speakers as a possible alternative to traditional face-to-face encounter. Communication and on-line conferencing tools can be considered when: A live immediate conversation and exchange of files is needed. fexible interaction is a substantial component of the conversation. The parties of the conversation cannot physically approach the expense of travelling, travelling itself or time is a consideration. Description Web-conferencing is the resource which enables two or more people to conduct on-line meetings to share ideas and information over the internet. That enables users to work together through the sharing of various applications and documents. Web-conferencing solutions are destinated to facilitate and improve the process of running meetings, delivering webinars and teaching training classes. The benefits gained by exchanging ideas and working through the Web are far-reaching and can impact most areas of any business because this technology places crucial information in a visually appealing way at real time, allows interaction of multiple presenters and rich multimedia content. Resources required Students and teachers need access to computers and the Internet, inside and outside of the school. Nevertheless, no special hardware is to buy or install besides downloading a program or registration. Only in case the computer does not include a web camera, speakers and a microphone these have to be bought. Obligatory resources desktop computer or laptop reliable and stable Internet connection (preferably broadband) downloading the selected tool and/or registration Optional resources Headphone and microphone or headset for phone calls Built-in or external web camera for video calls

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The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language Teachers has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Cost Suggested tools Skype: Partially (e. g. calling on mobile and landline phones are paid services) WiZiQ: Partially (e.g. unlimited storage space for public content is a paid service) Vyew: Partially (e.g. custom color themes is a paid service) Acrobat Connect: Paid service

Another useful tools Elluminate: Paid service DimDim: Paid service Mikogo: Completely free Implementation methodology In classroom situations its uses are multiple: distant learning form of delivering language content blended learning lessons raising ICT student's awareness holding training for students and teachers located in various places at the same time simulation of videophone calls and videoconferences in business language lessons task-based learning practising writing skills as a peripheral competence To start on-line educational activities requires soft skills including appropriate course design, training of teachers, time to prepare contents, and time for tracking students and promoting on-line activities. Usage of notes and course notes needs to be prepared. Stage one: Evaluation of Internet Communication and Web-conferencing tools available. Stage two: Analysis and consideration of the number of class, size of classes, technical understanding of the tool, financial and technical restraints. Stage three: Creating a class system. Setting up moderator tools. Planning on-line meetings. Training students in its use and setting user-profiles. Documentation and files shared ready beforehand. Other issues To set up a webinar it is also needed: Decide upon title, time and date for the presentation. Organize registration process, setting up deadline for registration. Think of information which participants will be required to give when effectuating a registration. decide upon a webinar fee. Create a special link that people can follow to sign up for the webinar. Disseminate effectively in order to drive traffic to the link.

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The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language Teachers has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Useful tips People with disabilities (deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired individuals) are not excluded from affordable high-quality videoconferencing as a means of communicating with each other. Many of the tools offer different channels to communicate the message, either textual or audio. In many cases keyboard shortcuts can be used as well. .

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The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language Teachers has been funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.