Started to experiment with the free trial of Centra eMeeting that I registered for at the Beyond the Break Conference. So far it looks good - it is easy to set up a meeting, invite participants, the audio quality is pleasing, powerpoint slides can be brought in, application sharing seems straightforward to do. My only quibble so far is that the text chat window is separate to the main interface and it is up to each person to have the window open, rather than the presenter opening it. Need to play a bit more, also need to try the video conferencing. There has been a lot of interest from colleagues in trying it out too, so now I know a little, I'll be setting up some groups. Mind you, I haven't had much of an experiment with other virtual classroom tools, so there may be better (and worse) alternatives :-)
Application to workplace learning or professional development -
the version that I am trialling did not need administrator access to install, it could be a great type of tool for induction sessions, application sharing could be useful for computer training, showing people around WebCT (the learning management system we use at TAFE Tasmania), web and audio conferencing, cameras could be used in a workplace for observation potentially for assessment evidence. Depending on how the system is set up when you buy it, we might be able to offer video conferencing at people's desktops - I would also like to try this on a dial-up modem connection.