Elluminate

I would like to briefly review a web based learning tool called Elluminate. This is a virtual classroom that is focused on synchronous web based learning. They offer a good case for using the synchronous online classroom mode in their white paper, "The Impact of Synchronous Online Learning on Academic Institutions". The immediacy of response in synchronous online learning, I believe is the most persuasive point. We are aware of the transactional distance inherent in asynchronous communications. Many of these issues with asynchronous communications in learning can be addressed by careful instructional design and use of sound pedological principles. I believe personally in using Constructivist theory to build learning and comprehension in steps and also carefully use social media as a way to generate interaction in the asynchronous online learning mode. Elluminate is basically a web conferencing product, but it offers several features aimed specifically towards education. I particularly like the multimedia modes. One feature allows up to six students (participants) to use their web cams to post real time streams as the class progresses. The instructor can also stream prerecorded video and can open URLs on the participants windows in real time. The Elluminate site has many resources available, including demos and webinars. There is also a feature called "V" spaces, that allow sharing of files, teleconferencing, on-demand sessions, recorded sessions and the ability to move participants into breakout rooms for smaller sessions. Taken all together, Elluminate is a powerful and comprehensive set of tools for on-line synchronous learning.