About Video Conferencing
All conferences on the EduPlex system are by video. Unless you are
a "techie" you may find video conferencing systems in general complex and
daunting to use. This is because most vendors selling conferencing are in
a feature war with their competitors, and while features are nice to have, they
also mean a more complex interface is required to give the user access to all
the nice features.
Depending on the course, conferences with your mentor, virtual group leader or fellow students may be personal (one on one), or may be
with a small group. Group conferences can be especially valuable because of the
interactions you can experience between the mentor and other students, in
addition to your own interactions.
EduPlex has taken a very different approach: ease of use is our #1
focus. Thus, you will find that our video conferencing system is so
easy to use that it only requires the use of a single button to operate!
Yes, you can also type in text messages if you want, but that is optional. So,
like the famous Staples "That Was Easy" button, your experience using our unique
conferencing system will also be incredibly easy.
Use the Webcam Setup applicaton below!
Low-Cost Video Conferencing for You!
We also provide EduPlex Connect for use outside our courseware
system, for small businesses, non-profits, churches, ministries, and small
groups that don't live near each other.
More info...
Multiple Participation ModesYou can participate in a conference or
event in a number of different
ways. The best is by video. This requires a webcam. If you don't
have one, consider buying one. We suggest a low-cost, high-quality webcam in the
panel to the right that includes both the camera and a built-in microphone.
One of the nice things about
Connect is that you don't need
headphones, and there will never be a problem with echos, or multiple people
talking at the same time, or an overload of your computer or Internet
connection: we only show 1 video at a time - the person actually talking.
Sounds simple, and it is. So, use your speakers if you want, or headphones
for privacy.
Of course you can participate without a webcam. You will see the video and
hear the audio from the facilitator and/or other students, and, if you have a microphone,
you can use it to talk to the rest of the group. If you have neither a
webcam nor a microphone, then you will see and hear the facilitator and other
students, but you will only be able to send text messages.
For best results and greatest learning experience, use a webcam! |
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Technical Requirements
In order to view video in a
Connect conference or EduPlex Connect event, you will need a download speed of
512kbs or higher. If you are planning to use video for your end of the
conversation, your upload speed must also be 512kbs or higher. If you plan
to use only audio, then 56kbs upload` is acceptable. Under no circumstances
should you attempt to connect if your internet connection is not fast enough for
the the download side.
Social Networking by Video
In addition to using
Connect for course-related discussions and
exercises, students that purchase
courses also have the ability to create their own video
conferences with other students on the system. This gives you an
incredible opportunity to build relationships with other students. This opportunity for building
long-lasting relationships will be dramatically enhanced by your joint
experience with the course mentor or coach if you choose a course with mentoring.
Use this opportunity to build your social network!
Got a Webcam? Set It Up For
EduPlex Connect Here!
Click the Camera Setup button below to set up your webcam and test it to
make sure it will work in your video cnferences.
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