The word webinar is coined from “web-based seminar”. It refers to an interactive lecture, presentation, workshop or seminar that is conducted over the web. By using video conferencing software, the participants are able to share videos and information documents in real-time. The sessions can be recorded for future reference; there is also the option of live streaming.

Today, webinars are used in many different ways. The most popular application is in the education sector. Lecturers are now able to host webinars and hold discussions with their students. This has hugely revolutionized online learning.

The Setup …

If you are planning on participating in a webinar or hosting one, you are required to have the necessary software and hardware in place. Let us look at some of the necessities:

VoIP Application

You will need video conferencing software that will allow you to communicate with other people over the internet. If your audience is limited, then you can use VoIP programs such as Vbuzzer or Skype. However, if you are planning on hosting a larger audience, you will have to register for bespoke webinar services such as ClickMeeting.

Webcam

Another musthave is the webcam. You can get an external USB webcam if your laptop does not have an integrated camera.

Microphone and Speakers

Invest in a highquality headset and microphone for better communication.

Fast Internet Connection

Participating in webinars is very data intensive. This means that if your service has low broadband, then your streaming experience will definitely be poor. Wired and cable networks are preferred over dialup connections.

How Does a Webinar Work?

Webinars are an incredible way to deliver content when you're teaching. Their design allows for interactivity between the lecturer and the students.

The lecture sets the date and time for the webinar; he also needs to plan the content for the webinar. The student is provided with a URL through which they can log in by entering a passcode for the class.

Barriers in eLearning and How to Overcome Them

Institutions of higher learning are now using webinars to simulate typical classrooms without the challenges brought about by time and space. Webinars provide healthy interaction between lecturers and students. However, eLearning is faced by numerous obstacles. Let us look at a few of them and how they can be mitigated.

Learning Costs

By enrolling for online courses, students avoid costs associated with traveling. Also, if the webinar is free, the students avoid paying tuition fees.

Location and Distance

The students can be from anywhere in the world. Literally! The student does not have to be within your location, or even a citizen of your country to apply.

Number of students per class

With webinars, there is no limit to the number of students that a lecturer can accept. Registration for online classes has zero room restrictions so the number of students to be accepted is completely up to the lecturer.

Availability of Learning Material

The webinar software allows for the sessions to be recorded. This means that the material can be made available to the students later, on demand. Obviously, this is not common with in-person classes.

Student Participation

Student collaboration and cooperation can be improved by assigning students to various groups where they can work together. This will also make it easy for you to track their performance.

By Sumeet Manhas

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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