An overview of using webinar technology for online teaching, research meetings, and other educational scenarios -- with specific tech tips for the different uses. This presentation was given during Teaching and Learing Focus Week at University of Leicester, September 2014.

1. www.le.ac.uk
Webinars for Learning, Teaching, and
Research
Terese Bird
Leicester Learning Institute
tmb10@le.ac.uk
Teaching & Learning Focus Week
18 September, 2014

2. What will we talk about?
• What is a webinar?
• Tech
• Webinar uses
– Lectures
– Seminars
– Training
– Meetings
– Focus Groups
– Assessment

3. What is a webinar?
• Internet-facilitated browser meeting, possibly comprising
voice, video, and computer-based demonstration
• Cross between Skype and the old video-conferencing
• Basically: Powerpoint, webcam, speaking, typed chat
• AND IT RECORDS!
• Powerpoint must be loaded in; can also demonstrate desktop
so can show anything! (But showing live video is fiddly)
• Software:
– Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate, Go-To-Meeting,
Webex
– Free versions: BigBlueButton, Google Hangouts

4. Tech
• Computer with internet connection – wired
connection is best
• Microphone
• Headphones – absolute must
• Webcam optional
• Always do Audio Setup Wizard
(under Meeting)
• Plug in headphones, then launch browser, then click
on meeting link, then do Audio Setup Wizard.

5. We use Adobe Connect
• Windows, Macs, but not Linux
• iOS and Android devices need app
• Can be fiddly
• Email ithelp for
a Connect account

6. Lectures, Seminars, Training
• Decide if both face-to-face and online participants,
or if only online (easier)
• Participants type chat only (no microphones)
• Start with webcam on
• Turn off webcam if problems
• Have someone handle the chat
• Contact ITS to book equipment

7. Meetings
• Send email
• Headphones necessary
• Webcam is important
• Everyone may wish to speak into a microphone
• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with
microphone
• Only one speaker at a time
• Try the whiteboard!

8. Focus Groups
• Everyone will need a microphone
• Leave time at the beginning for fiddling with
microphone
• Only one speaker at a time
• May want to aim the webcam at something else
• Let everyone know you are recording, if you do

9. Case study of Maths Assessment
• Students presented their work to overseas companies
• Everything was recorded for review and grading

10. Case study of student-led tutorials
• Students like it and don’t feel intimidated even if
tech doesn’t go perfectly
Student figured out
how to set up a
quiz for fellow
students!

11. Contact us for advice!
• Terese Bird tmb10@le.ac.uk
• Catherine Leyland cl250@le.ac.uk