The eLog

Here in eLearning, we often consider the possible effects any disaster could have on regularly held classes and the demands it could put on Blackboard and the other software systems we maintain.  As Clark’s eLearning Systems Administrator, I have seen the use of Blackboard increase dramatically, as our faculty discover its potential.  However, Elluminate has not seen the increase in usage which would reflect its capability.

Our version, called “Elluminate Live” and provided free through the State of Washington, includes an audio component, a typed chat area, and an interactive whiteboard for drawing, showing images or displaying PowerPoint presentations.  You can share your desktop or demonstrate something in a software application, use breakout rooms for collaborative learning, or take advantage of the quiz manager or polling feature.  You can also do synchronized web browsing, transfer files, and (for math and science) there’s a graphing calculator and a math symbol library.

Although Elluminate has been well established as a virtual meeting and collaboration tool, some of Clark’s own faculty, such as Willy Cushwa, have been experimenting with its use as an online classroom as well.  It seems to be a hit with his students.  Sally Keely has also remarked on the useful features of this specialty software and her ideas for increasing its usage beyond online office hours.  Although the video feature isn’t always recommended for bandwidth reasons, many of the other features seem to captivate and engage most users.  Generally, the moderator uses a mic or headset and the whiteboard area while the participants listen, observe, and use the chat area, responding to the moderator by typing or raising their “hands” to ask questions.  Though these sessions are conducted synchronously, Elluminate sessions can also be recorded and made available later.  For those students or participants with less technical experience, there is a five minute orientation available on the Elluminate website.

Elluminate is sophisticated, yet straightforward to use.  I encourage all faculty and administrators at Clark to go through the online moderator training and discover this new tool.  As a moderator with audio capabilities, a headset may be required, unless your computer is already equipped with a built-in mic and speakers – contact ITS (x2425) to purchase any necessary equipment.  The links below should help get you going…  After you complete the training, just contact me (scoffie at clark.edu) and I will set you up with your own meeting space or classroom where you may join the ranks of the Elluminati!

Check your computer for technical requirements

Five minute orientation for student participants or meeting attendees

For meeting or classroom moderator training, sign up for the two live training sessions using the link below.  The sessions are:

• “Getting Started with Elluminate Live for Moderators”
• “Next Steps with Elluminate Live for Moderators”

Sign up for free training and select a time you would like to attend

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you may be interested in some of the more robust features:

Additional documents and recordings for advanced training of moderators