Virtual Classroom Protocol and Enhancements

WiZiQ Session with Vance and the Gang

Hala writes on the Webheadsheaven blog about the "WiZiQ session with Vance and the gang". The session was a lot of fun, writes Hala, but:

"The only thing which was annoying was the echo and the delay of voice." Hala also writes that the font was not very user friendly, and, "However, it does hold great potentialites to be used with students.I am glad I made it there!!"

Yes, you are absolutely right Hala, about using it effectively for teaching; just like in a brick and mortar classroom, if protocol is followed in a virtual classroom, the results can be awesome. We know quite well that if the teacher permits all students to speak at once, there is utter chaos; similarly protocol needs to be followed in WiZiQ's virtual classrooms, if the teacher wants to have an effective session.

Protocol for the Virtual Classroom

For this, it is highly recommended that all attendees use headphones, and the teacher transfers control selectively to attendees who want to interact. I would do it one attendee at a time and see if the audio is working well every time I transfer control. If there is an echo, it is because the attendee in question is using speakers and has the mike enabled.

We also recommend that sessions are attended in full screen mode (as they are launched). This would help get more visibility in the chat window, which makes chat more readable.

Upcoming Enhancements

Also, as I informed in the comment on Hala's post, our development team is working on the next release, which should be out shortly. A number of enhancements to the virtual classrooms are being implemented including the ability to upload Microsoft Excel and Word files, and interface enhancements with more intuitive controls. The upcoming release would offer the option to upload .jpg, .gif, .swf, .ppt, .pps, .pdf, .doc, and .xls files.

Jagdeep Singh Pannu

Comments

[WiZiQ]

Eamon:

That's an interesting comment. We will like to come up with a page like this.

Thanks

Vikrama Dhiman
Product Manager
WiZiQ.com

[Eamon Costello]

interesting tip re feedback from speakers. Do you have any more protocol tips like this? such as for handling groups, who gets to ask questions etc.