The Value and Challenges of Using Web Conferencing Technology to Integrate Online Students Into Campus Activities

摘要

Free and low-cost web conferencing technology is now ubiquitous enough to allow for the development of interactive live streamed programming of campus activities for online students. This blended experience approach breaks down the walls between online and traditional education by providing opportunities for online students to engage in synchronous interactions with students and faculty members on campus. WTCC used Adobe Connect meeting software to live stream six campus-based club events during the fall 2016 semester. These live streams were very popular, with 50% of the 674 club participants attending the club meetings online. Survey data showed that online attendees found the meetings to be as valuable, if not as engaging, as did live attendees. Furthermore, many online attendees reported that the live stream provided the only opportunity for them to attend these club meetings. However, reported audio problems associated with larger meetings demonstrated the limitations of using just one type of live streaming tool for all meetings, and suggested the need for flexibility in application of online meeting technology. This paper discusses plans for expanding live stream programming at Wake Tech, as well as a rubric for choosing online meeting products.