Working in cooperative learning groups at a distance can be a challenge for many learners. There are numerous tools that provide an online shared space that students can use to collaborate with one another. Before you jump into any of these tools, consider what you are needs are. Do students need to meet together at the same time? Do you students need to share and work off the same document or presentation? Determining the learning needs of your students before selecting a particular technology tool will help avoid any headaches that may result from learning a new technology tool.
Ideas for Incorporating Web Conferencing
- Narrate, demonstrate, and record yourself reviewing core concept
- Broadcast your computer screen, a particular software application, or documents
- Have student share their work on their computer screen
- Work collaboratively on the same document at the same time
Support provided by Technology Services
Technology services provides technical support for students, instructors, and staff using the following web conferencing tools.
BB Collaborate (Desire2Learn "Online Rooms"): This tool is available as a tool within Desire2Learn.
Faculty/Moderator Resources from BB Collaborate
- Getting Started for Faculty Members Using UWRF D2L Online Rooms PDF
- Essentials for Moderators HMTL
, PDF - Moderator's Guide HTML, PDF
- Accessibility Guide for Moderators HTML, PDF
- Quick Reference Guide PDF
- Overview for Moderators recording
Moderator Tools:
- Introduction to the Participants Panel PDF
- Using the Audio & Video Panel PDF
- Using Chat PDF
- Audio Setup Wizard PDF
- Using the Polling Feature Wizard PDF
- Using Application Sharing PDF
Student/Participant Resources from BB Collaborate
Research
Huang, H.W. & McConnell, R. (2010). The Relationship between Synchronous Web Conferencing and Course Satisfaction in a Blended Online Class. In D. Gibson & B. Dodge (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2010 (pp. 546-551). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.