Monday 11 August 2008

Free video-conferencing for learning providers

I’ve mentioned Dim Dim on here previously, its a free video conferencing tool. My colleagues and I have recently been showing how much potential this tool has for learning providers.

For example videoconferencing could be used to...

* support groups of remote learners who can access a tutor led session from their own PCs (no downloads required).

* many training providers have several centres and staff are required to travel to attend meetings. Using videoconferencing reduces the need for that, saving travel costs and travel time for the company. (Reducing carbon footprints too!)

* to host short staff training sessions online - these might also be recorded for later playback.

There are several options for free videoconferencing software, Dim Dim is not the only choice, but it is a favourite of ours at the moment because of its ease of use and the fact that it is an excellent free option. I’ve mentioned more in a previous post which has links to a BBC review too. A new version has also just been released with additional features making it an even stronger contender to many of the videoconferencing tools you pay large fees for.

If you haven’t yet seen Dim Dim or experienced videoconferencing, possibly because you were put off by the technical requirements, know how or cost, the good news is Dim Dim now addresses much of that. If you would like to know more here's a one minute video that highlights Dim Dim in more detail, this previous post has additional reviews or feel free to get in touch with any questions or comments.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kev Brace also mentions the pros and cons of Dim Dim in his recent post at: http://kev-brace.blogspot.com/2008/08/dimdim-ups-features-o.html

In that he also links to a good comparison of free webcasting tools. Worth a read!

Unknown said...

Educause have produced a summary sheet entitled "7 Things You Should Know About Virtual Meetings" which outlines how videoconferencing can be used in training and education.

Part of their 'seven things' series (which I've mentioned previously - http://wblwestmids.blogspot.com/2008/07/more-than-7-things-you-should-know.html), this breif describes what virtual meetings are, where they're going, and why they matter to teaching and learning. Access the pdf at: http://tiny.cc/Goj6P