Desktop sharing is an easy way to collaborate online because you can meet with people from around the world at one convenient location in real time – your desktop! Chances are if you work or go to school, you use a computer quite frequently. Online students usually do both, so it is important to open lines of communication with them in a convenient, time-effective way. Distance advisors can use desktop sharing to conduct group advising sessions, deliver presentations, or even provide remote assistance if necessary.
Many desktop sharing applications are completely free, easy to use, and run right from a browser, which means you don’t have to worry about downloading software. You can even chat with participants or conduct a conference call to communicate with viewers. Here are a few desktop sharing applications worth checking out – click the dropdown arrow for more information.
JOIN.ME
Join.me has been branded as “a ridiculously simple screen sharing tool for meetings on the fly.” This really is the best way to explain it, which is why I had to quote their website. With one click, you can quickly get ready to share your desktop with others. You simply invite others to join by sending the code. You can have up to 250 viewers! Check out the video below:
Go ThereANYMEETING
With Anymeeting, you can share your screen and then some. This free application requires you to create an account, but after that, you are ready to start a meeting. The application allows you to record your presentation, broadcast video, conduct polls, and host up to 200 participants. Anymeeting has a professional look to it, similar to its not-so-free counterparts (e.g. Adobe Connect, Cisco Webex). Check out the video:
Go ThereMIKOGO
Mikogo requires you to download the program to your PC and offers desktop sharing for up to 10 viewers. This is an excellent option for anyone who wishes to use an application with a simple interface for small groups or individuals. It has some cool features like chat, a whiteboard, file-transfer, and profile customization capabilities to tailor Mikogo to particular use needs. Watch the videos for an overview of how the product works.
Start a session:
Joining a session:
Go ThereSKYPE
Everyone has heard of Skype by now. It is a very popular and useful product as it allows you to call people via the internet, chat, transfer files, make video calls, and share your desktop. The down side to using it is that some of these extras cost money and both parties have to download Skype to use it. Nevertheless, Skype is still worth a look:
Go There
Thank you for these great examples!
I am expecting resources like these to become more and more popular. Join.me is also an option for those situations when you are trying to explain to a student where to find things on a website. Rather than the usual “Ok, click on…now you will see…can you find the…now click on…it’s over by the…” you can remotely move through web pages, and actually show the person what you are talking about.
I have been hesitant to use any of these tools, only because I was concerned how students might react. Well, I finally tried join.me with two distant students yesterday. It was a GREAT experience for all of us. The students expressed appreciation for using a tool which made it so clear, when trying to explain an online resource or walk them through a document. I highly recommend join.me and other similar resources.
This article was very helpful and user friendly for “digital visitors” and “digital natives” alike! This method, will enhance those learners who are visual [like myself included]. Primarily most of my student base are online learners, this will assist students in understanding how to, navigate through various systems. I have shared this information with the rest of the student services team, so hopefully it will assist us ALL!