Difference between revisions of "Web conferencing for large groups in low bandwidth"

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Cheers,
 
Cheers,
  
Ewenhttp://wiki.km4dev.org/index.php?title=Web_conferencing_for_large_groups_in_low_bandwidth&action=formedit#Related_Discussions
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Ewen
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Discussion - Contributors
 
{{Discussion - Contributors
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}}
 
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=== Summary ===
 
=== Summary ===
 +
 +
From the various contributions, it seems that for relatively small group interactions, the best option seems to be Google Hangouts (which seem to operate better than e.g. Skype even in low bandwidth areas). For larger groups, good options seem to be AT&T Connect, GoTo Webinar and WebGathering - although all participants confessed that they hadn't tried a number of these options. Some of the technologies presented may not be working any longer as the marketplace of platforms is evolving over time.
 +
 +
For a more up-to-date overview of these platforms and comparative features, you can always look at this Wikipedia page: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_web_conferencing_software]
  
 
==== Detailed Description ====
 
==== Detailed Description ====
  
 
Different solutions offered:
 
Different solutions offered:
 +
 
* Adobe Connect (http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html)
 
* Adobe Connect (http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html)
 
* AT&T connect (formerly Interwise - http://call2conf.com/)
 
* AT&T connect (formerly Interwise - http://call2conf.com/)
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* WebGathering (http://www.webgathering.net/)
 
* WebGathering (http://www.webgathering.net/)
 
* Wiziq (http://www.wiziq.com/)
 
* Wiziq (http://www.wiziq.com/)
 
[the meat of the topic – clearly, crisply communicated summary of the topic. Where relevant, a brief story – no more than 1-2 paragraphs - of how this topic has been turned into practice, ideally from the KM4Dev archives? If the example is long, separate into a separate subsection]
 
  
 
==== Examples in Application ====
 
==== Examples in Application ====
  
[One or a few practical examples and references that illustrate the topic or show how it is done in practice]
+
* (Pier Andrea Pirani, Euforic Services) I've been using quite often AT&T connect (formerly Interwise). While the interface and functionality may lack some more contemporary features, in my experience I never suffered from connectivity issues, the call was normally very stable even in low-bandwidth environments.
 +
* (Tom Wambeke, ILO) Back in the time also have used http://flashmeeting.e2bn.net/ and pretty much liked the visual approach of it.
 +
* (Duncan Edwards) I would recommend speaking with WebGathering (http://www.webgathering.net/) – they will provide the tech platform but they will also assist with facilitation and tech facilitation of online events. They are very experienced at providing these services in low connectivity situations across Africa, for example they facilitate the monthly Africa Hubs meetings which brings together people working in many of the Innovations and Technology Hubs across Africa (http://www.africahubs.webgathering.net/).
 +
* (Kristina Pelikan) we had a video session (including screensharing) for 3 days (about 6 hours/day) with partners in UK, Belgium, India, Uganda, Switzerland and South Africa - all connected at the same time. It went quite well, so we'll do it again in a few weeks (using Cisco Telepresence Movi).
 +
* (Karel Novotny) We researched all of these several years ago, needing something which allows for low-bandwidth participants, is not-that-expensive, but first of all.... is cross-platform (having many linux users in our network). Web-ex and Go-to-Meeting simply didn't work on linux by then and Adobe Connect used to be quite costly (and there were also technology-related issues on linux). We went for elluminate that since then transformed into Blackboard Collaborate. We liked its declared usability on all systems, and the fact that it put big emphasis on security. And if I remember correctly, the service was Canada-based (not US), which was also a plus for us. We've used it extensively for number of years and were generally happy with functionalities and the way it deals with bandwidth (when bandwidth goes down, it buffers the voice and then replays is in faster mode with higher pitch - a lot of fun). But we've had a lot of issues with people not being able to connect properly, or to use audio, particularly on linux. Java related problems. And Elluminate's/BC's support basically wash their hands when it comes to resolving linux java-related troubles.
 +
* (Viviana Palmieri) We have had several videoconferences with up to 7 participants in google+ hangout. Acceptable video and sound, but haven't tried with more people connected.
 +
* (Luz Marina Alvare, IFPRI) GotoWebinar works very smoothly in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia.
 +
 
  
 
==== Recommended Resources ====
 
==== Recommended Resources ====
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* http://itcilo.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/the-world-of-webinars/
 
* http://itcilo.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/the-world-of-webinars/
  
[Links to publications, websites, contacts and general resources shared in the e-discussion]
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==== Related Discussions ====
 
+
==== Related Discussions =====
+
 
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* [Low cost and low bandwidth webinar software]
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+
 
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==== Individual emails posted about this ====
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Hi Ewen
+
 
+
I've been using quite often AT&T connect (formerly Interwise). While the interface and functionality may lack some more contemporary features, in my experience I never suffered from connectivity issues, the call was normally very stable even in low-bandwidth environments. I am not sure about the costs but can point you to one of AT&T partners in Europe if you are interested.
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+
Increasingly I'm also finding Google+ Hangouts very reliable in low-ban situations (much better than Skype) - but I don't think this would be an option for the type of meeting you are planning .
+
 
+
Hope this helps
+
 
+
Best,
+
 
+
Pier Andrea Pirani
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---
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+
Dear all,
+
 
+
Apart from the different technological options that are exchanged here, also interested in some additional methodological reflections about the effective use of engaging webinars. I just shared a short blogpost about this: http://itcilo.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/the-world-of-webinars/
+
Greetings,
+
Tom,
+
 
+
Tom Wambeke
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+
---
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Thank you Pier Andrea, Tom,
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Yes Pier, it'd be great if you could connect me with AT&T folks.
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And thanks Tom, I'll definitely delve into the specifics of your webinar guidelines before we embark on the community day.
+
 
+
Otherwise, anyone, any preference between: Web-Ex, Adobe Connect, Wiziq,Go-to-Meeting, Elluminate ?
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+
Cheers,
+
 
+
Ewen
+
 
+
---
+
Dear Ewen,
+
 
+
It depends of course on different factors. When low bandwidth was an issue we had very good experiences with Elluminate (but that was still in the time before it got absorbed by Blackboard) and also with WebEx as it was relatively easy to call in, in case there were problems with the internet connection.
+
 
+
Sometimes there were other parameters important, for example easy integration or plug-in with the learning management system (LMS) that we were working with. I remember a good integration of Dimdim or Wiziq into LMS's like Moodle.
+
 
+
Back in the time also have used http://flashmeeting.e2bn.net/ and pretty much liked the visual approach of it. So far no experience with http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx
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or http://vyew.com/s/
+
 
+
As your question is a very relevant one it would be good to start up a kind of comparison table with the different parameters so you can choose based on your specific needs. Robin Hood once started up something like that http://www.masternewmedia.org/best-video-conferencing-tools-free-low-cost-one-to-one-and-multi-party-solutions-mini-guide/
+
but so far only looking at low-cost or free solutions. Going for WebEx, Adobe Connect, Go-to-Meeting or Webex can involve substantial costs if your network is big. Would be good to see a comparison table of these frequently used systems.
+
 
+
Greetings,
+
Tom,
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
Hi Ewen,
+
+
I would recommend speaking with WebGathering (http://www.webgathering.net/) – they will provide the tech platform but they will also assist with facilitation and tech facilitation of online events. They are very experienced at providing these services in low connectivity situations across Africa, for example they facilitate the monthly Africa Hubs meetings which brings together people working in many of the Innovations and Technology Hubs across Africa (http://www.africahubs.webgathering.net/).
+
+
Cheers,
+
Duncan
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
Hello,
+
 
+
we had a video session (including screensharing) for 3 days (about 6 hours/day) with partners in UK, Belgium, India, Uganda, Switzerland and South Africa - all connected at the same time. It went quite well, so we'll do it again in a few weeks.
+
 
+
I found Cisco Movie here:
+
http://newsroom.cisco.com/press-release-content?type=webcontent&articleId=628848
+
 
+
And we used the same system!
+
 
+
Do you share a report afterwards, which system you used and how it worked? Would be very interesting!
+
 
+
All best wishes from Basel,
+
Kristina
+
 
+
---
+
Hello There,
+
Me and Bury are experimenting with hangouts a G+.
+
Promising and indeed good sound!
+
Best, Jaap
+
 
+
---
+
My experience is old and perhaps not relevant any more, but I'll throw it in here anway. We researched all of these several years ago, needing something which allows for low-bandwidth participants, is not-that-expensive, but first of all.... is cross-platform (having many linux users in our network). Web-ex and Go-to-Meeting simply didn't work on linux by then and Adobe Connect used to be quite costly (and there were also technology-related issues on linux).
+
 
+
We went for elluminate that since then transformed into Blackboard Collaborate. We liked its declared usability on all systems, and the fact that it put big emphasis on security. And if I remember correctly, the service was Canada-based (not US), which was also a plus for us. We've used it extensively for number of years and were generally happy with functionalities and the way it deals with bandwidth (when bandwidth goes down, it buffers the voice and then replays is in faster mode with higher pitch - a lot of fun). But we've had a lot of issues with people not being able to connect properly, or to use audio, particularly on linux. Java related problems. And Elluminate's/BC's support basically wash their hands when it comes to resolving linux java-related troubles.
+
 
+
So we are looking for something else, which will be truly cross-platform. We want to seriously research possibilities of self-hosted open source solution (which is much more realistic now than 3 years ago when we spent lot of time researching different alternatives).  I will let you know if we find something really satisfactory.
+
 
+
Btw, if you are looking for a well working and real cross-platform meeting solution with only basic teleconferencing features, Google Hangout works very well. And is terribly easy to use. But I haven't really said that as I'd rather see people using good FOSS solution in near future, instead of sending more data to google...
+
 
+
karel
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
We have had several videoconferences with up to 7 participants in google+ hangout. Acceptable video and sound, but haven't tried with more people connected.
+
Regards,
+
Viviana
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
Ewen,
+
Based on my experience across the Andes with the use of low-band e-conferencing systems (asynchronous) with high number of participants (100-200) , I would strongly suggest to apply this low-band & low-cost technology to ensure maximum participation from different locations. This would be more cost-efficient, even if it would take some additional time, however it would ensure quality communications.
+
 
+
Ana Maria
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
Ewen, sorry for late response. I wrote a bit of this up at http://www.fullcirc.com/2013/01/07/quick-revisit-of-web-meeting-tools-what-is-your-favorite/
+
 
+
What really has become the key question for me in picking a synch meeting tool is the ability to distribute controls to participants and the ESSENTIAL need for peer to peer chat, not peer to the person controlling the technology!
+
 
+
N(ancy)
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
I see listed GotoMeeting, but another product also useful is GotoWebinar. Works very smoothly in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia.
+
 
+
Luz Marina
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
 
+
---
+
 
+
 
+
---
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+
  
---
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* [[Low cost and low bandwidth webinar software]]

Latest revision as of 12:52, 11 March 2013


Original Message

From: Ewen Le Borgne, posted on 2013/02/13

Dear all,

As part of the KM4Dev Innovation Fund, our KM4Dev Ethiopia group has been awarded for its proposal on the 'African KM4Dev community week' - more information about how to get into this very soon, but for now I have a request for help:

Part of the proposed event is a 2 or 3-hour synchronous meeting across various African locations (at least where there is a somewhat active African community such as here in Addis, in Ouagadougou, Nairobi, Dakar, Nigeria etc.), with hopefully 50 to 150 participants (perhaps more if we're lucky?).

The question we have to you all is: What virtual conferencing would you recommend using, considering relatively low bandwidth issues: video- or audio-conferencing (e.g. WebEx or GoToMeeting etc.) and what do you anticipate would be costs of these options? We have some budget to lease video-conferencing facilities but thought that we could find cheaper and still effective facilities.

Any lead welcome - I'll summarize this on the wiki in due time if we get quite a few answers.

Cheers,

Ewen

Contributors

All replies in full are available in the discussion page. Contributions received with thanks from:

Pier Andrea Pirani
Tom Wambeke
Duncan Edwards
Kristina Pelikan
Jaap Pels
Karel Novotny
Viviana Palmieri
Ana Maria Ponce
Nancy White
Luz Marina Alvare

Related Discussions

Summary

From the various contributions, it seems that for relatively small group interactions, the best option seems to be Google Hangouts (which seem to operate better than e.g. Skype even in low bandwidth areas). For larger groups, good options seem to be AT&T Connect, GoTo Webinar and WebGathering - although all participants confessed that they hadn't tried a number of these options. Some of the technologies presented may not be working any longer as the marketplace of platforms is evolving over time.

For a more up-to-date overview of these platforms and comparative features, you can always look at this Wikipedia page: [1]

Detailed Description

Different solutions offered:

Examples in Application

  • (Pier Andrea Pirani, Euforic Services) I've been using quite often AT&T connect (formerly Interwise). While the interface and functionality may lack some more contemporary features, in my experience I never suffered from connectivity issues, the call was normally very stable even in low-bandwidth environments.
  • (Tom Wambeke, ILO) Back in the time also have used http://flashmeeting.e2bn.net/ and pretty much liked the visual approach of it.
  • (Duncan Edwards) I would recommend speaking with WebGathering (http://www.webgathering.net/) – they will provide the tech platform but they will also assist with facilitation and tech facilitation of online events. They are very experienced at providing these services in low connectivity situations across Africa, for example they facilitate the monthly Africa Hubs meetings which brings together people working in many of the Innovations and Technology Hubs across Africa (http://www.africahubs.webgathering.net/).
  • (Kristina Pelikan) we had a video session (including screensharing) for 3 days (about 6 hours/day) with partners in UK, Belgium, India, Uganda, Switzerland and South Africa - all connected at the same time. It went quite well, so we'll do it again in a few weeks (using Cisco Telepresence Movi).
  • (Karel Novotny) We researched all of these several years ago, needing something which allows for low-bandwidth participants, is not-that-expensive, but first of all.... is cross-platform (having many linux users in our network). Web-ex and Go-to-Meeting simply didn't work on linux by then and Adobe Connect used to be quite costly (and there were also technology-related issues on linux). We went for elluminate that since then transformed into Blackboard Collaborate. We liked its declared usability on all systems, and the fact that it put big emphasis on security. And if I remember correctly, the service was Canada-based (not US), which was also a plus for us. We've used it extensively for number of years and were generally happy with functionalities and the way it deals with bandwidth (when bandwidth goes down, it buffers the voice and then replays is in faster mode with higher pitch - a lot of fun). But we've had a lot of issues with people not being able to connect properly, or to use audio, particularly on linux. Java related problems. And Elluminate's/BC's support basically wash their hands when it comes to resolving linux java-related troubles.
  • (Viviana Palmieri) We have had several videoconferences with up to 7 participants in google+ hangout. Acceptable video and sound, but haven't tried with more people connected.
  • (Luz Marina Alvare, IFPRI) GotoWebinar works very smoothly in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia.


Recommended Resources

Related Discussions