Hi Timos,



Just to add to the mix, we've gone down the route of Collaborate Ultra here at GCU, having previously used Adobe Connect. Collaborate Ultra is completely web-based now and is no longer dependent on Java. We use it as a stand-alone system as well as integrated within our Blackboard VLE.  It's very much part of our PgCert and allows colleagues in our London campus and overseas to be fully involved in seminars with colleagues here in Glasgow.



My colleague Sheila MacNeill also hosts short online CPD sessions for staff  - we call them 'Collabo-breaks' - which are recorded for those who can't make it and added to the bank of CPD resources.



There are clearly costs involved, however for us it's been worth it as Collaborate Ultra is increasingly used by academic staff across the university for teaching purposes and is proving very popular with both staff and students.



I hope that helps.



Regards,



Linda





-----Original Message-----



From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Timos Almpanis

Sent: 09 February 2018 12:08

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Web Conferencing (webinar) solutions



Dear All,



As our PGcert in HE programme is delivered in blended mode with a substantial online component, we rely on the use of synchronous conferencing software for online seminars (webinars). We are currently using Adobe Connect which provides good functionality, however, the sound quality is occasionally poor and it becomes unusable without a headset, due to excessive feedback.



Apart from Blackboard Collaborate, which requires a Java plugin and may cause different issues, does anyone use any other system for synchronous web conferencing?



As part of our review of the use of Adobe Connect, we are looking for other options too and we would be willing to try something professional that doesn't cost the earth, is easy to use, with adequate functionality and the ability to host at least 30 people simultaneously, with high audio quality and also the option to record sessions.

If you have experience of anything that meets these requirements, please drop me a line.



Thanks in advance,

Timos



Dr Timos Almpanis, SFHEA, PhD

Senior Lecturer in Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Educational Development Unit QM162, Greenwich Campus University of Greenwich London SE10 9LS



Tel: +44(0)208 3318901  | E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>





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