Web Conferencing
Below is an overview of web conferencing and collaborative meeting options at NDSU.
Overview
Web conferencing is used for synchronous meetings, including class sessions, guest lectures, team meetings, and more. Meeting hosts and participants can share screens, and slide shows, explain spreadsheets, play videos, and collaborate in real time. This technology brings an unprecedented level of communication and collaboration to classrooms and meetings.
- Class Collaborate Ultra is a web conference solution available through Blackboard. Features include screen share, breakout groups, a virtual whiteboard, chat, and polling.
- Microsoft Teams is a part of the NDUS Office 365 suite. Teams include a series of collaboration tools including team chats, file sharing, and web conferencing
- Zoom is a cloud-based web conferencing platform offering video, audio, screen-sharing, chat, file-sharing, breakout rooms, and collaboration tools.
Getting Started
- Getting started will vary by the product selected. Review specific products as a starting point.
Best Practices
- Web Conferencing; During Class Best Practices
- Zoom Live Transcription/Closed Captioning - Important These settings must be enabled before the session begins!
- Tips to Increase Internet Connection Strength
- Create Accessible Meetings
Learn More/How To's
- Review specific products to learn more about how to get started with the web conferencing platform of your choice.
FAQs
- FAQs will vary by the product selected. Review specific products as a starting point.
Use Cases
- Classes and meetings, allow students/attendees to synchronously participate remotely with audio, video, and sharing content.
- Web conferencing can be used in many different spaces with a basic internet-connected device, including audio and video.
- Web conferencing can be used to share sessions with others, such as inviting guest speakers to join classes, team meetings, interviews, and more.
Universal Design/Accessibility
- Ensure that any product being used is accessible to all participants.
- Accessible meetings include; captioning, introductions of participants, avoiding acronyms, and a variety of options when presenting content - Tips for Accessible Virtual Meetings
- Offer alternatives to meet the needs of participants following the guidelines of Universal Design for Learning
- Captioning for Live & Recorded Web Conference Sessions
- Assistive Technology