Web Conferencing

What is It?

Web conferencing allow real-time communication over the internet using video and audio. Most web conferencing tools also allow users to share presentations, documents, and views of their computer screen. They also sometimes include meeting schedulers, group and private chat, whiteboard use, mouse and keyboard sharing and file uploading. 

How Can I Use It in Teaching?

• Conducting classes remotely
• Connecting guest speakers into your classroom
• Collaboration between colleagues

Recommended Products:

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is a web-conferencing tool that instructors can use to collaborate, communicate and share information. Adobe Connect allows instructors to video chat while sharing presentations and digital media.  Instructors can also create self-paced courses and virtual classroom sessions. Tufts provides a limited number of free accounts.

Links:

Adobe Connect at Tufts — More information on how to obtain an account.

Tufts Adobe Connect Page — For faculty and staff who already have Tufts Adobe Connect accounts.

Skype

Skype is a free program that can be used for making phone calls, with or without video, over the internet. Skype has videoconferencing, so that up to five different people can be connected in a video chat, screen-sharing, and an instant messaging tool. Skype must be downloaded, and a microphone is required as well as a web camera for the video chat tool.

Links:

Skype website

50 Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom