WebConferencing

Providers

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Forms of web conferencing

• Application sharing– Usually also has audio

• Video/Audio conferencing

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Why web conferencing: Impact• Application sharing

– allows presentation PowerPoint, real time, to anyone in the world

– allows desktop sharing which is an amazing tool for troubleshooting a user’s technical difficulties

– allows for whiteboard and other interactive applications, increasing user interaction

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Why web conferencing: Impact• Video/Audio conferencing

– allows for real-time broadcast of appointments, meetings, workshops to anywhere in the world

– immediately allows for consumer to control not only what service is delivered but also how

– interoffice applications

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Methods to provide web conferencing

• Stream from point-of-origin

• Third-party web conferencing provider

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Streaming from point-of-origin

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Streaming from point-of-origin

• Cost:– MegaMeeting.com basic software, license with

50 seats one-time fee: $8495 US

- Shaw.ca full business account: $164.95/month - Other costs that are unknown such as hardware

upgrades

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

3rd Party Web Conferencing Provider

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

3rd Party Web Conferencing Provider

• Cost:– Per seat cost: $0.30 - $0.40/minute

• or

– Hourly cost: ~ $100.00/hour• or

– Monthly cost: depending, $80 to $1000s

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

What does the end-user need?• Computer

• Best Possible Internet Connection

• Speakers/headphones• Web camera• Microphone

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

World Accessibility

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

World AccessibilityPros• Video/audio • PowerPoint with audio

presentation• Consumer oriented

– Development based on population needs

– Highly accessible

Cons• Cost• Small video screen size• PowerPoint has to by

configured/uploaded by presenter

• Not the most versatile product

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

World Accessibility

• Cost is regularly $100/hour

• ILRC Newfoundland receives $60/hour

• Initial offer was $700/month

• Offer is now $500/month

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing

Conclusion• Integration of another method of

program delivery into centre would improve funding in the future; also allow technology costs to be dispersed

• Immediate community need

• More research could be a good idea

Equal Access to IndependenceWeb Conferencing