Free Tools for Online Professional Development

[KarenJanowski]

Has anyone used tools like DimDim, Yugma, or Yuuguu with Skype to offer just in time learning for other educators? Have you considered using uStream to live stream a workshop you are presenting? This can be archived and viewed again later to refresh memory and learning

These tools are worth exploring. If anyone is interested, we can set up a time to explore these and anyone is welcome to join in.

We are always learning!

[Liz]

Liz with Yugma here,

I wanted to tell you a bit more about Yugma. We have two kinds of accounts; free and paid accounts. A Yugma Free account allows you to invite up to 20 others into a Yugma session. You will be able to share your desktop with your attendees and use the built-in instant message feature. You can also utilize the teleconference service offered by Yugma. In addition to the features available in the free version, a paid Yugma account offers a number of extra interactive features. With a paid Yugma account you can: change presenters, share mouse and keyboard, share files, record the webcast, use the annotations/whiteboard feature and schedule sessions. We also offer a webinar feature add on if you have a pro account for only $19.95 month. Our smallest pro account is only $14.95. Check us out at www.yugma.com or sign up for a free live demo by following this link:

https://www.yugma.com/live_webinar.php.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at [e-mail].

Have a great day

Liz

[Andrew Donnelly]

Hi Karen,

In your search for online learning tools, have you tried Mikogo? www.mikogo.com
Mikogo is a free screen sharing tools that allows you to share your screen live over the Web. Great way for students to learn online as they watch the teacher present the material on their screen in real time. Furthermore, you can switch presenter between students to allow them to show their own work. All features are free, including remote control, switch presenter, whiteboard, recording, scheduler, file transfer, and more.
It is a great, fun, & easy-to-use way to bridge the distance gap between students and teachers. Drop by our blog http://www.mikogo-blog.com for screenshots and further details.
If you are interested in taking a closer look at Mikogo, please feel free to contact me.

All the best,

Andrew,
The Mikogo Team
http://twitter.com/mikogo

[KarenJanowski]

Good to know about these tools from the vendors themselves. Thank you for adding your perspectives - we are grateful that you are offering these services for free!

[AbilityNet - David Banes]

Weve been doing this for some time here in the UK

We use gotomeeting and gotoassist for desktop streaming with integrated VoIP - we also have used skype to support that with hispeed conferencing enabled

Its especially effective for what I would call twilight sessions - 45-60 minutes presnetations and seminars - especially if you integrate that with on demand resources via Moodle or ning etc

Happy to tell you much more if its relevant

David Banes
AbilityNet (UK)