UMConnect Meeting
Definition
UMConnect Meeting is a Web conferencing application designed to facilitate real-time communication, collaboration, and teaching and learning over the Web. Faculty and staff members and eligible graduate students can set up and administer Web conferences between small groups of people or webcast events to large audiences.
UMConnect meetings occur in online meeting rooms, which include chat, whiteboard, polling, audio/video conferencing, screen/application sharing, and other communication and collaboration tools. UMConnect interactions also may be recorded for asynchronous access or review. University students as well as non-University participants can be invited to participate in UMConnect Web conferences and webcasts.
Educational Uses
Participants in a UMConnect Meeting are assigned different roles by the meeting host; these roles determine the extent to which a participant can interact with others, manipulate content, and determine screen layout and other aspects of the user experience. Instructors can use UMConnect meeting for
- online classes;
- guest lectures;
- delivering a report to large audience;
- peer editing activities;
- small group meetings;
- dissertation defenses;
- office hours;
- advising sessions;
- collaboration activities; and
- broadcasting a class, workshop, presentation, etc.
Issues
Instructors should be aware of some issues when they use UMConnect Meeting for teaching and learning.
- Consider the number of people who will participate by broadcasting audio or video (instead of by posting text comments) when determining activities. As the number increases, the more challenging it becomes to manage the UMConnect Meeting interface and to facilitate group communication.
- Determine participants' roles, divide labor, and arrange for technical support in advance. Consider who will handle introductions, call on students, and answer questions about the interface or content. One person cannot run the meeting, provide information about content, and provide technical support all at the same time!
- Anticipate the equipment needs of participants. If participants need to use microphones and webcams, how will you make sure they're prepared when the meeting begins?
- Provide constant feedback and reassurance. In a Web conferencing environment participants cannot rely on the same verbal and visual cues that are available in classroom settings.
Research
The following research literature has been published about student learning in a Web conferencing environment.
Abbott, L., J. Dallat, R. Livingston, and A. Robinson. "The Application of Videoconferencing to the Advancement of Independent Group Learning for Professional Development." Education and Training Development International 31, no. 2 (1994): 85—92.
Beachler, J. A., and B. Glyer-Culver. Trends in Teaching and Learning Innovation. Sacramento, CA: Los Rios Community College, District Office of Institutional Research, 1998.
Freeman, M. "Videoconferencing: A solution to the Multi-campus Large Class Problem?" British Journal of Educational Technology 29, no. 3 (1998): 197—210.
Knipe, D., and M. Lee. "The Quality of Teaching and Learning via Videoconferencing." British Journal of Educational Technology 33, no. 3 (2002): 301—311.
Owen, M. "Structure and Discourse in a Telematic Learning Environment." Educational Technology & Society 3, no. 3 (2000): 179—189.
Wheeler, S. "ëStreaming through the Netí: Combining Video Streaming and Webcasting for Interactive Learning Environments." Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning, Berlin, Germany, November 24—26, 1999.
