Discussion software
Record short audio clips as you carry out online discussions through a web browser or software. Instant messaging is offered by a range of providers, and FlashMeeting can be used through LabSpace 
.
There are lots of other options available including
Instant Messaging
What you need to know
- Use either a web browser or installed software to access instant messaging.
- The instant messaging facility provides text based chat with the ability to record brief audio clips.
- Use this to keep in contact with other members of your course, especially if you are doing any collaborative projects.
- Currently available through FirstClass.
How you use it
- Log on to the forum system.
- Either invite someone to chat or accept an invitation.
- If you did the inviting, you should start the session by asking for permission from all participants about recording the session.
- Once you are ready to post, type your message and click on send, or do a keyboard return.
- Check you have permission from everyone and set the session to record.
- If you initiated the recording, once the session has ended you will be sent the transcript with any audio embedded within it - send it on to those involved.
Related links
FlashMeeting
What you need to know
- FlashMeeting is a one-click video conferencing tool.
- It allows groups of people to meet as long as they have an internet connection.
- If you have a web cam and microphone you will be able to communicate with friends and colleagues anywhere they are.
- Once you have registered with LabSpace you will be able to book a FlashMeeting.
- You can also be invited to attend a FlashMeeting by a meeting booker who sends you the required URL.
- The FlashMeeting tool has instant message and vote functionality.
- The meetings are recorded and can be played back once the meeting is finished.
How you use it
- Register with LabSpace and book a FlashMeeting for a convenient date and time. The sessions are usually booked for periods of 30 minutes or multiples of 30 minutes.
- You need to specify the number of people planning to attend.
- Before going into the session, test your equipment using the FlashMeeting tool.
- Enter your name in the field (this name will appear nest to your image if you are using a webcam) and click on Enter.
- If you want to speak you click the Start broadcasting button, and press the Stop Broadcasting button when you are finished.
- Within the FlashMeeting room only one person is able to speak at a time.
- If someone is already speaking the Start broadcasting button will change to say Join the queue.
- Instant messaging and voting are accessed by choosing the relevant tab.
- Once the meeting is over you will be sent an email detailing the URL of the playback.
If you are invited to attend a meeting: begin with step 3 and you will be mailed the playback URL after the meeting.
Related links
Next: Microphones and headsets
