Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing can be categorized into three sections. These sections include the following:

• Personal Conferencing - Connects two or more individuals by using telephone and video. Examples include Skype and Apple ichat.
• Web Conferencing - Connect selected members by using a webcam and microphone.  Web Conferencing offers may interactive tools such as: chat, polling, whiteboards, etc. Examples include Adobe Connect and Eluminate.
• Room-based Conferencing - Connects a large group of members in a classroom type setting with other classrooms via sophisticated cameras and equipment.

As I considered each of these types of video conferencing I realized that my exposure has been quite limited. Most of my family and friends are nearby; therefore, I do not find the need for any type of personal conferencing. I am aware of Skype and have seen it in practice; however, I have never used it. As for Web Conferencing, I have been involved in some training seminars that used Eluminate. I can recall being quite fascinated with the software and value its potential and effectiveness in enhancing a online course. Room based conferencing is used quite frequently at my institutions. Since we have many campuses we often use this technology to facilitate department meetings. I am aware of instances in the institution where this technology is being used  to deliver courses to face-to-face students as a way to replicate the classroom.

Adobe Connect - This application software contains great tools that allow for effective interactions amoung all the students and the instructor. Screen sharing, easy upload of documents for sharing, and whiteboard were a few of my favourites. I found the Adobe Connect software to be easy to use, the interface is subtle making the screen easy to navigate around. It is evident that having good working equipment is critical to an effective presentation. Students must have some experience with equipment to actively participate in this environment. This type of video conferencing establishes a connection amoung the members which fosters student relations. In additon, it is comforting to put a face to a name.

A component in MDDE 610 was to form groups of four to five members to select a technology and present a demonstration of the technology to the class.

The group that was formed consisted of: Rhyon, Jeff, Rob F, Rob P and myself. As a group we decided to demonstrate the Adobe Connect software to our fellow classmates.

This was a great opportunity to explore the software and use it to confer with our class. Each of the group members choose two affordances of Adobe Connect. We each researched our affordances in preparation to present the topic to the class.

Prior to our presentation we met to rehearse our demonstration. This rehearsal was very stressful; it became apparent to me how crucial it is to have equipment and computers that work properly. The desktop computer that I was using was dated and  the Internet connection was unreliable. I found myself having problems throughout the entire rehearsal. My team members were fantastic in helping me troubleshoot and by providing me with technical advice. The next day I replaced my dated computer with a new up-to-date laptop and all my issues were solved.

Our class presentation was fun, went smoothly and was very informative. It was clearly evident that this group project provoked our group in developing relationships within. The support, coordination, and collaboration alone was a fantastic learning experience. Thanks Guys! 

After working with Adobe Connect, I can clearly see that this software can solve many online issues that currently exist within current course designs. Often students find the online connect lacking, making them feel distant and alone. Adobe Connect allows the student to feel a part of a group and valued as a class member by contributing to each other’s learning experiences. I now have experience first-hand this type of technology can impact a student's learning.