Saturday, March 3, 2012

Extra Credit - Live Meetings

For extra credit in ISM 3004 we were given the opportunity to participate in a pilot test for UF using synchronous learning tools.  There were going to be four (4) tools that we had a chance to use, however, Unity had some issues and we were not able to use that tool.  The three (3) remaining tools were: Adobe Connect, Cisco WebEx and Big Blue Button.

My favorite synchronous learning tool was Adobe Connect! I like Adobe Connect the most because we were able to share files and web pages instantaneously,as well as, have public or private chats.  Another feature that Adobe Connect offers is the feature to do breakout sessions.  This is great for classroom learning (i.e., project, etc.) as well as for business meetings or business projects. Adobe Connect allows for everyone to control or use whiteboards and the ability to be a presenter. Adobe Connect also offered the common functions of displaying who was entering the room, as well as the capability to see them if they had a webcam. You were also able to share desktops and chat with others.

My least favorite was Big Blue Button mostly because of the annoying beeping noise when people would enter or exit the room. Big Blue Button offered many of the same features as the other programs such as chat, sharing files and desktops, display of who would enter as well as webcam capabilities. I would probably say that the overall rating for (me at least) Big Blue Button would increase if the beeping was not attached to users entering and exiting the room.

Overall, I believe if UF (or any business) chooses Adobe Connect that the features will enhance the learning process.  Adobe Connect would be most beneficial because the breakout feature would allow for students and faculty to work in groups on projects and received feedback or have questions answered instantly!

No comments:

Post a Comment