A webinar is a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web using video conferencing software.
Examples of Webinar Technology
Skype (https://www.skype.com)
Zoom (https://zoom.us)
Some global teaching movements have also embraced webinar technology as a way of enabling learning to happen between acute specialist services and primary care teams. Project ECHO is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations by equipping communities with the right knowledge, at the right place, at the right time. Project ECHO
Benefits
As with traditional classroom teaching, a key feature of a webinar is the ability to give, receive and discuss information to attendees in real-time. No geographical boundaries. Recording the webinar enables those who were unable to attend to watch the presentation at another time.
Challenges
Large numbers can be difficult to manage in a way that ensures good engagement from all. Engagement can be improved by encouraging students to ask questions in chat and embedding polling for sense checking.
Other considerations
- It is vital that internet speed is sufficiently adequate to allow participants to view the presentation without distortion or lag time.
- No communication is possible through body language if no video feed is available.
- A webinar may not work with all kinds of internet browsers and with some computers, tablets or mobile devices.
- Audience environment may be subject to interruptions or disruptions such as side conversations or other distractions reducing learning.