Preliminary research

[Donna]

Adobe Connect Pro
• Supports two-way or multi-directional communication/interaction.
• Computer-mediated communication (CMC) supports real-time synchronous
forms of interaction.
• Video conferencing supports instruction.
• Breaks down isolation barriers and may improve the learner’s
experience.
• Enables users to interact using audio, video and chat.
• Share files, resources and presentations using applications such as
PowerPoint and Flash.
• Has functionality such as application and desktop sharing which can
be used when collaborating on jointly developed documents or for
training purposes.
• The virtual classroom is built around a number of pods that can be
hidden if not required that include: a shared whiteboard, seminar
participants, camera and voice, filesharing, short-messaging text (one-
to-one or whole group), notes, Weblinks, and Q&A.
• Can also share screens or other documents using the shared
whiteboard.
1. Advantages and disadvantages of the video chat feature.
• How often the program is refreshed will determine how synchronized
the speech will be with gestures, body language and facial
expressions.
• When the speaker sees participants nodding or shaking their heads it
helps to let the speaker know if they are making themselves
understood.
• Can be used for clarification purposes.
• To minimize background noise, students may be requested to keep
their microphones off when they are not speaking. This may make the
speaker feel they are in an atmosphere of total silence.
• If students have no webcam they speaker may feel even more isolated.
• Students may be reluctant to use webcams
2. Is the value of visual presentation of participants worth the
tradeoff in bandwidth usage and potential lag for folks on slower
connections? I could not find research to support this, but having
lived in really rural Saskatchewan with really low bandwidth, it was
hard to be an actively engaged participant throughout the lag time.
3. What is the text chat best used for and how could you use it to
support different applications?
• Used to support the oral communication.
• In conditions with poor connectivity or inadequate equipment the
sound may break up or be inaudible, leaving the text chat as the only
possible channel.
• Some students may prefer to use the written communications even if
they have no problem using the voice channel.
• Students can use the text tool to ask for clarification if they did
not understand some concept.
• Students can also ask other students for clarification.
• Chat can also be used to add information to what is being said on
the voice channel.

[Rhyon]

Donna,

Your #1 and #2 rings true for me. In my experience using synchronized
tool, bandwidth is the highest priority. I would make a list of the
learning tools and prioritize their advantages from least important to
most. Then turn off the features that have the lowest educational
value to the class.

For example, the video feed requires a constant stream of data that
includes VOIP. The voice is important to the class, but the video only
affords educational advantages of face expression or gestures. As an
instructor my verbal instructions are more important than students
looking at my face during a class.
If additional bandwidth is required I start to disable additional
features, such as, the File Pod or Chat box. Of Course this is
specific to the class. Every instructor may prioritize their tool
different than me.

Just a thought!