How to learn conferencing the easy way

Articles on Conferencing | Topics: conferencing, conference

by Gabriel Campos

Web conferencing has obvious advantages that can help improve your work. Different web conference providers and vendors offer programs with a variety of features, all with specific functions. Because web conferencing has the potential to be such an integral part of your business, it is obviously important that you become competent with the technology and its powers.

It is best to take small steps when first entering the vast world of web conferencing. For those who consider themselves computer illiterate, it may be easy to feel overwhelmed with yet another fast moving development in the computer industry. However, there is no need to fret that you will be left behind and be unable to partake in the festivities. There are several ways for you to get a handle on the technology.

Experts predict that web conferencing may be one of the fastest moving developments in communications today, that will soon be adopted on a wide scale. As such, there are broad networks of users, content providers and support teams so you don't have to feel alone or that you are learning an alien language. It may be comforting to keep in mind that even the equipment is getting easier to use and that basically web conferencing uses two things that most of us are already familiar with: the internet and digital video cameras.

More and more software companies are recognizing the potential web conferencing has to become a staple in everyday businesses and have begun offering easy-to-use programs. More sectors, aside from business are also opening their eyes and ears to the capabilities of web conferencing, spurring on the growth of the sector, leading to easy-to-use tools and instructions catered towards a non-technical audience. Some services will help you convert your presentations to suit the Internet while others will automatically do it once your presentation is uploaded.

Many sites can guide you on how to maximize its potential for your organization's needs. They can provide you basic information about available software, instructions and other resources such as a glossary and a directory of other people and groups who have video conferencing capabilities.

Some services offer free or trial runs. They have services that can accommodate a few participants free of charge. This however does not include the audio conference component. In a free trial run, you must use your own phone system to bring people into a conference call.

Historical Quote

Leadership in today’s world requires far more than a large stock of gunboats and a hard fist at the conference table.

—Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)

Many web conferencing services also have consultants who can help you get started, not just on the technical aspects but even in the manner you may deliver your presentations. Although seemingly subjective and a matter of style, it is actually an important facet to learn if one expects to maximize the potential of web conferencing. More than just consultants, some services specifically have cyber-training departments to give you pointers on how to better involve your audience through the web.

We are familiar watching video but actually communicating (two-way) with it is a bit of a novelty. Those using video conferencing should be able to engage their audience. You should bear in mind that even though your audience is familiar with watching video, still they might not participate. As a facilitator you should help them realize that active learning and interaction is expected. Remind them that it is two-way video and not one-way TV.

For example, one use of web conferencing is for education. Teachers and librarians can reach more students, bringing them more resources and opening new world for them. Aside from conducting business, web conferencing is also changing how many teach and learn. In fact, the impact that web conferencing is expected to have on education led to specific fellowships being granted to teachers and librarians to help them master the technology. They now have more than chalk and a pointer to get their ideas across. Consultants and trainers can help you better reach your audience, whether they are teenage students or experienced businessmen.

To best make use of web conferencing, it is vital to include opportunities for your participants to interact with you. Although web conferencing may bridge distances, the lack of your physical presence will not allow you to rap sharply on the desk of an uninterested student to gain his attention. Aside from learning the components of your web conferencing system, you should be able to motivate your audience. Before planning a conference, one should consider their audience and the intended results first before becoming immersed in the technology. Learning web conferencing then is not just about the tools and what button to press but also how you can personally maximize the results. In both areas, there are numerous resources available to guide even the most computer-illiterate person in their endeavors.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "How to learn conferencing the easy way" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by WebDesignConferencing.com.

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