WebEx

WebEx

Overview

Cisco WebEx meeting center (http://www.webex.com) allows users to connect to web conferences via PC or smart phones, record meetings, and send a link to conference content for easy playback. With WebEx it is possible for the meeting organizer to show presentations, share documents and allow others to write or draw on them to provide feedback. The service requires a monthly fee, but trial periods are available.

Strengths

Geographically separate people can “meet” and go over material together without paying travel costs. WebEx allows up to 25 participants to attend for an unlimited amount of time. People can join via PC, Mac, iPhone, Blackberry or any other WiFi or 3G enabled mobile devise. Also allows for streaming video and up to six webcams.

Weaknesses

The service requires a monthly fee and there are many free alternatives for web conferencing (e.g., http://open-tube.com/7-free-web-conferencing-tools).  Unlike an in-person meeting, it is easy to multitask, give the meeting less than full attention, and it is more challenging to ensure that quieter members are engaged.

Examples

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey regularly use WebEx for online meetings, workshops, and webinars.

Tutorials

Four tutorials are available for scheduling, managing clients, conducting a session, and general overview.  http://meetmenow.webex.com/MyWebexMeeting/US/page/mmn_tutorials.html

There is also a live demo available:  http://www.webex.com/dailydemo/index.php?TrackID=1017642&hbxref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webex.com%2Fproduct-overview%2Findex.html&goid=live_demo

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