Conducting+Real-time+Online+Classroom+Interactions+Using+Elluminate+Live!

The use of synchronous conferencing techniques can offer opportunities for social interaction in a virtual classroom space. One of the popular synchronous software: Elluminate Live!, has several interactive characteristics: it allows students and instructors to conduct oral communication, exchange messages through typing, upload PowerPoint presentations, transmit video, surf websites together, and more. More specifically, Elluminate Live! combines different tools into one interface creating a web-based classroom environment where a whole class or small groups of students, using headsets, can interact online in real-time. Such tools include textual chat, two-way Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) audio, video, real-time presentation, breakout rooms for small group activities, white board presentations, class polling instruments and application sharing. Synchronous online platforms offer instructors the potential for meaningful real-time interactions to promote improved opportunities for students to dialogue at a geographical distance.