Desktop conferencing
Learning Environments is very pleased to be a participating partner with Information Technology Services in the investigation of EVO, a desktop video collaboration tool. To get started with EVO you can register via the EVO@AU portal and join as a member of the ARCS-AARNet Community.
Australian Research Collaboration Services (ARCS) is providing national support for EVO.
The University is currently deliberating about a centrally supported video collaboration tool. Some researchers on campus are planning to experiment with EVO over the next couple of months and discuss it at the University of Melbourne eResearch symposium at the end of September.
Many laptops already have built-in webcams but these can be purchased from as little as $25. Headsets with built-in microphones can improve the quality of the experience by limiting the effects of feedback/echo. Programs such as Skype have built-in echo-cancellation so a headset is not essential. There are a number of free and trial online collaborative options available depending on your set-up and the way you would like to connect.
Note that University wireless and undergraduate student networks generally prevent the use of VoIP technology.
Screen/document sharing programs:
- Skype - mac beta version only (free)
- Google - web browser based (free)
- GoToMeeting - is useful for easy sharing of real-time online documents (trial version available).
Point to point desktop video conferencing:
- Skype - PC and Mac (free).
Point to point and multi-point H.323 conferencing:
For more information or help with setting up desktop collaboration, call (03) 8344 4527 or 0419 769 566.