1. Wimba for Faculty and Staff Use Outside of the Classroom Part 1: Considerations for virtual meetings Presented by: Shanna Coles UNC Charlotte

2. Target Audience This training module is designed for UNC Charlotte faculty and staff who desire to learn more about conducting virtual meetings using Wimba.

3. Objectives At the conclusion of this module, participants can expect to be able to: Define “virtual meeting” and recognize the components of a virtual meeting List possible uses for virtual meetings Outline pros and cons for conducting virtual meetings Identify resources for gaining technical knowledge on conducting a virtual meeting using Wimba

4. Virtual Meetings Defined: Online virtual meetings are real-time interactions that take place over the Internet using features such as audio and video, chat tools and application sharing. The meeting can often be recorded for later viewing or used as reference.

5. Virtual Meetings The “virtual” here just means “simulated” or “the effect of one’s actual presence.” In virtual meetings, there are the kind where the actual image of a person is recorded and shown and there are the computer generated type as in Second Life. Actual human image in virtual meeting. Second Life type of computer generated meeting.

6. Virtual Meetings Example of a virtual meeting: Video of “What is Web Conferencing?” Click here to watch short clip.

7. Virtual Meetings Components of a virtual meeting: Meeting Participants Several groups gathered together in multiple locations Multiple individuals in multiple locations Any combination of individuals and groups A meeting leader and perhaps group leaders of smaller groups if necessary to help decide who speaks, types, etc.

8. Virtual Meetings Components of a virtual meeting: Hardware Computer – desktop, laptop Camera – built in or separate Headset Microphone – built in, handheld, or on headset Internet connection

9. Virtual Meetings Components of a virtual meeting: 3. Software: Free and open source tools Examples: Big Blue Button, Yugma Tools available by license Examples: Adobe Connect, Wimba

10. Wimba at UNC Charlotte Wimba is the virtual meeting software supported by the university. The future of Wimba Resources for Wimba

11. Uses for Virtual Meetings Uses for virtual meetings: Small group meetings Orientation Training Collaboration on projects, research, etc. Consultation with experts Your need?

12. Pros of Virtual Meetings Pros of Virtual Meetings: Easily bring together a geographically dispersed group Speed – people can “meet” without travel time considerations Value of face-to-face, real-time collaboration with relatively low cost

13. Cons of Virtual Meetings Cons of Virtual Meetings: Meeting leadership style must be as good or better than in-person meetings Time zone issues Multi-tasking temptation Learning curve for all participants

14. Summary Summary: Virtual meetings can take place with any type of group The basic requirements are people, hardware and software There are pros and cons of meeting virtually Virtual meetings can enhance workplace activities

15. Next Steps If you are ready to learn more about virtual meetings for faculty and staff using Wimba, continue with Part II: “Facilitating Your Wimba Meeting.”