To google or not to google? This is the question. There are many delivery methods for virtual classroom environments. I think that there are as many up and downs of each method. Some of them fall only to personal preference of those that are taking the courses as well as the facilitators and administrators.
Here are some of the points that I see.
Google hangouts. Its free. However, for a classroom environment it does not provide the structure needed on the whole. I think that for a discussion group, study group, or small group breakout Google hangouts would suffice.
Big Blue Button. Its also free. Upon first look Big Blue Button looks like it might have everything that a virtual classroom needs. It is a Moodle resource. I have used Moodle for courses previously. It was a big tedious to find and not as user friendly as one would hope. However, maybe they have seen those flaws and have improved it with Blue Button. The only ting here that makes me leery is the fact that it is free. I know that seems to be counterproductive but if something that awesome is free...then is is going to be dependable for a structured school environment?
Cisco webex. I've worked with WebEx as well. It provides a clear way to conference call or video chat for meetings, clubs, or whatever. It provides security for those involved. It allows users to add that sychronous element to an asynchronous environment. Sometimes though there are chances where the signal isn't good and it is difficult to understand. Dropped calls have been an issue.
Adobe Connect. I have not used Adobe but the adobe connect may have the product name speaking volumes. Adobe products are top of the line even if they are a bit difficult to learn. It looks like it has all the aspects a company would need to provide or access Webinars.
Blackboard. I have also not used Blackboard. It seems to have everything that blue button has to offer. I think that its the perfect way to distribute a course that is synchronous rather than just needing elements that are synchronous.
I see that within any of these things there needs to be an IT person that is just dedicated to working with the distribution systems. Also depending on the environment one would work beter than the others. For example, a higher education facility would have different needs than a business looking for a new way to train employees. I think that the cost of these things for businesses would in the long run be more fiscally advantageous than having to send employees on training or business trips. But we need to remember that there will be a learning curve to any of these things that are used.
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