Web Conferencing Resources

Web Conferencing Defined

Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations over the Internet. In a web conference, each participant sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants via the internet. This can be either a downloaded application on each of the attendees computers or a web-based application where the attendees will simply enter a URL (website address) to enter the conference.

Other typical features of a web conference include:

• Slide presentations (often created through PowerPoint)
• Live video (via webcam or digital video camera)
• VoIP (Real time audio communication through the computer via use of headphones and speakers)
• Web tours - where URL’s, form data, cookies, scripts and session data can be pushed to other participants enabling them to be be pushed though web based logons, clicks, etc. This type of feature works well when demonstrating websites where users themselves can also participate.
• Recording (for viewing at a later time by anyone using a unique web address)
• Whiteboard with annotation (allowing the presenter and/or attendees to highlight or mark items on the slide presentation. Or, simply make notes on a blank whiteboard.)
• Text chat (for live question and answer sessions)
• Polls and surveys (allows the presenter to conduct questions with multiple choice answers directed to the audience)
• Screen sharing/desktop sharing/application sharing (where participants can view anything the presenter currently has shown on their screen. Some screen sharing applications allow for remote desktop control, allowing participants to manipulate the presenters screen, although this is not widely used.)