Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Review Flashcards

Web Conferencing and Online Collaboration

Web conferencing refers to the technology that makes online meetings, webinars, and information-sharing possible using different online platforms and tools. These tools enable real-time exchange of multimedia content, such as audio, video, and chat messages.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous businesses shut down while others shifted to virtual interactions through online meetings and conferences. In schools, learning modalities changed so that teachers and students used various devices, such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, to hold online classes. The combination of these devices and applications or platforms that allows people to communicate with each other is called web conferencing.

attending an online meeting

Web Conferencing Tools

A web conferencing tool is a software or application that allows people to communicate remotely and collaborate online using audio, video conferencing, instant messaging, and desktop and screen sharing. It gives participants the experience of being present in the actual meeting room or virtual classroom while conveniently using their own device anywhere.

Common Features of Web Conferencing Applications

  • Audio and Video Calls: Allows users to call and see each other in real time. Audio calls use the device microphone, while video calls use both the camera and microphone. Users may choose to turn their camera or microphone on or off.

  • Screen Sharing: Capable of showing the actual screen of the speaker or presenter. Useful for showing documents, slideshows, or demonstrating actions in applications, visually explaining topics, and catching participant interest.

  • Chat Function: Enables participants to send and receive text messages either through direct messaging in private or to everyone in public.

  • Mute and Unmute Button: Allows the host to manage the meeting better. Muting the microphone prevents the transmission of distracting background noises. Unmuting gives any participant a chance to speak and be heard.

  • Virtual Whiteboard: A collaboration tool similar to a physical blackboard that allows participants to write, draw, or illustrate ideas in real time (e.g., Jamboard in Google Meet).

  • File Sharing: Enables participants to share and view different types of documents or presentations remotely and simultaneously during an online class or meeting.

  • Recording: Captures the audio and video of an entire meeting, serving as a reference for reviewing or revisiting discussions.

  • Reactions: Enables participants to express themselves using feedback tools like "raise hand" to ask questions, or reaction buttons such as thumbs up, clapping hands, or hearts.

  • Breakout Rooms: Assigns participants to smaller virtual rooms to work and discuss specific topics in groups for better focus and collaboration. The host can bring everyone back to the main room after the given time limit.

  • Calendar and Contacts Integration: Helps organizers manage meeting schedules by syncing web conferencing tools with calendar and contact applications for easier notifications and reminders.

  • Security: Protects online meetings using passwords or meeting IDs and allows the host to control access through a virtual waiting room to keep out unauthorized users.

common features of web conferencing tools
Widely-Used Web Conferencing Applications

  • Zoom: Admits as many as 100100 participants in a single online meeting based on default plans. Key features include a user-friendly interface, large meeting capacity, strong security, and custom virtual backgrounds.

  • Google Meet: Developed by Google for audio/video communication. Allows users to plan meetings, send invitations, and communicate via high-quality video conferencing. Works on Android and iOS mobile devices or directly in web browsers, working seamlessly with Google Workspace.

  • Microsoft Teams: Developed by Microsoft Corporation as a cloud-based web conferencing and collaboration platform. Enables participants to communicate via chat, audio, video, and work together on tasks/projects using document sharing features.

  • GoTo Meeting: Designed for virtual meetings, webinars, and real-time collaboration over the Internet. Widely used in corporate and business settings due to its easy-to-use interface.

Advantages and Limitations of Web Conferencing Tools

Advantages

  • Improves collaboration: Advanced collaborative tools allow participants to work on