Communication+Tools

// This page will explore various freely available options for online communications. It will begin with consideration of some video tools which may include chat, whiteboard, desktop sharing, etc. //

Video Online Tools

 * Guiding Questions:**


 * Value of Video**
 * How do various tools add value above live video of the presenter/participants?


 * Synchronous Communication**
 * When is synchronous communication important to your teaching and learning practice?
 * What might each tool do to increase educational outcomes in your course?


 * Asynchronous/Archival Capabilies**
 * Can sessions/broadcasts be recorded and archived?
 * What are the limitations on time, length, file size?
 * Are the archives hosted on a remote server?
 * May the archives be downloaded? File type?
 * May the archives be edited?

What are advantages and disadvantages of "free" tools?
 * Costs**
 * What are the limitations of "free" tools?
 * What can be gained from a "subscription"?
 * How much does that cost?


 * User Experience**
 * How difficult is the use and/or management of the tool?
 * What is the learning curve for both faculty and online learners?
 * How many people may participate at one time? One to one or one to many?


 * Technical Requirements and Support**
 * Who provides user support?
 * What are the technical requirements to be able to successfully use each tool?
 * What computing platform is supported?
 * Is there a mobile version (of a particular tool) for smartphones, iPad, other devices?

tinychat
Overview of tinychat (tinychat introduction) (*Dated, but very useful. Check on current version and capabilities for possible new options.) by Kevin J O'Shea, last edited by Brent Alan Scamihorn on Dec 07, 2009 Located on 9-13-2011 at https://wiki.itap.purdue.edu/display/INSITE/TinyChat#TinyChat-intro

Review: tinychat (Creating A Free Personal Chat Room With Various Features) Located on 9-13-2011 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf2hdryavp4&feature=fvst

Building online learning communities with Tinychat Personal account of tinychat test in an educational setting and thoughts about future use. Located on 9-13-2011 at http://www.brueckei.org/Raised-Digital/2009/08/18/building-online-learning-communities-with-tinychat/

USTREAM
7 Things You Should Know About Ustream []

Example of embedded USTREAM channel: (Note: This is an embedded window to a ustream channel. Video will only be displayed during a live broadcast) media type="custom" key="10451612"

Embedded recording of a broadcast media type="custom" key="10464200"

Costs for Pro version Most faculty are looking for free tools. However, at some level, free tools present limitations and subscription becomes a topic of consideration. As of 9-14-2001, the lowest price for a subscription to USTREAM is $99 per month and likely not possible for most faculty.

Examples of educational use of USTREAM

=Other Tools and Resources=

SKYPE

 * 7 Things You Should Know About Skype []

This may provide an option for (one to one) online faculty office hours, quick personal consultations, etc. with one other person.
 * The free version of Skype may be used to:**
 * Skype-to-Skype calls
 * One-to-one video calls
 * Instant messaging
 * Screen sharing

//**See how it works.**// Short video to show the ease of making a Skype video call.

//**Skype Premium is required ($4.95 per month) to:**// Get together with three or more3 people over group video.
 * Unlimited2 calls to the US and Canada
 * Group video calling and screen sharing
 * Live chat customer support

//Promotional video to demonstrate capabilities of Skype Group Video Call//

Feature list and pricing.

**Teaching with Technology: Technology Tools for Supporting Communication and Collaboration**, []

**ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology**, 2010 []