The importance of web conferencing services to the continued success and survival of modern day businesses cannot be overstated. While it is seen primarily as a communications tool, web meeting is actually a multifaceted approach to increasing productivity. Web conferencing is making its mark in the e-learning sphere as well.

To put it simply, e-learning is web conferencing with a twist. Instead of typical sales presentation and team meetings, web conferencing can be geared toward providing instruction and training, helping people to upgrade their skills. This can be used for both the private as well the education sector. Companies will be able to provide training courses to employees in all locations and schools will be able to offer distant learning courses. The use of web conferencing services in this regard has grown in popularity for the following reasons:

– People can attend classes when it is most convenient to them.

– Distance learning through web conferencing allows people to keep working while studying.

– Travel time and weather conditions are no longer important considerations.

– Family constraints and obligations are no longer a deterrent to adults studying as they can study from home.

Web Meetings with a Purpose

Very few endeavors utilize the best features of web conferencing as completely as e-learning. Some of the most commonly used web conferencing tools in a classroom setting are:

– Whiteboard and Annotation: A feature that is not unlike a spirited discussion in a traditional classroom as all attendees can add notes and graphics and make changes where necessary. This is of course, bound by the established parameters set by the instructor.

– Slide presentation: The use of slides is an effective method of highlighting important points in a course of study.

– Streaming video: While the quality of the video varies depending on the web conferencing services provider, video can make discussions livelier and more memorable.

– Recording capabilities: Again this is dependent on the provider, but it is important in that it allows students to playback the sessions at a later time. This feature can also be used to offer self-pace classes for students needing the additional flexibility.

Instructors can easily keep track of who attends sessions just as they would in a standard classroom setting. With guaranteed attendance technology provided by companies like RHUB Communications, quickly logging in to sessions is simple. This can enable instructors to reach a wider cross-section of people as students can be anywhere in the world. Utilizing other meeting software features like polling, teachers will be able to engage student’s participation and track their progress within a session.

As with any other type of web conferencing solutions, success is largely driven by content. Therefore the lecturer or teacher has the responsibility to ensure that each e-learning session is well organized. With web conferencing services they have at educators have at their fingertips the tools to deliver a quality e-learning experience. Students too are no long bounded by physical limitation and time constraints and are able to attend classes from anywhere.

Author Bio: RHUB Communications is a provider of on-premise, self-hosted web conferencing and video conferencing. Our 4-in-1 web conferencing appliance offers conferencing, webinar, remote access and support capabilities together in one product.

Category: Education
Keywords: e-learning, web conferencing, video conferencing, remote learning