Do you do any online, real-time teaching or learning?
A client wanted to learn a bit more about Excel VBA, so we arranged a phone call for today. He sent me a couple of workbooks to use during the session.
The Free Session
I thought it might help if we could both see the same screen, so I set up my first training session on WiZiQ, where I have a free account. I had attended a training session there in 2008, and it went reasonably well. There’s a whiteboard for interaction, and you can upload files to use during the session. You can also record the session, for attendees to download later.
The session was set up as private, and I sent an invitation to my client. He had to register and log in, but said the process was quick and easy. If I upgraded to an Organization account, attendees would not have to register.
A Few Problems
It took us a couple of minutes to sort out the optional settings for audio and video. I enabled my audio and video, and could allow attendees to share theirs.
The uploaded Excel files didn’t work too well. Instead of sheet names, I could select “Page 1, Page 2, etc.” from a drop down list. Only a portion of the sheet showed, which was a problem. There was no way to see the VBE, as far as I could tell.
We gave up, and used the phone instead, with each of us having the same workbooks open on our desktops. That worked fine, as it has in the past.
Try Again
Later, I went back to WiZiQ, and found a Share Screen setting. I’ll set up a test for myself later, and see if that’s a better option. Then I can round up a guinea pig or two, and try an online session.
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I volunteer to be a guinea pig. I’m out of town this weekend, but available after that.
Thanks Dick! We’ll set up a 1/2 hour session for sometime next week.
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Debra – How about DimDim? It’s free up until 20 people are involved. I have plans to use it for my business. I’ve used Elluminate in the past, but it’s only free for up to 3 people.
Thanks Bob, I tried DimDim this morning, and it worked well.
One thing though–the Share Screen option seemed to affect my screen display, even after closing the application. Things seem lighter coloured, and the font isn’t as smooth. Have you noticed that?
Haven’t used DimDim yet. Based on DimDim’s comparison to WebEx on their website, I suspected/hoped it would be as robust and reliable as WebEx or Elluminate, but without the cost for small groups. I’ll check it out and let you know in the next week or so.
Thanks Bob! I look forward to hearing your opinion.
Debra – My test DimDim meeting with another person – I was going to see if I had screen problems like you did – was a rousing dud! I was able to set up and join my meeting fairly easily (I have Vista & IE8), but invited person got an error message from DimDim that his browser wasn’t supported. Over the course of an hour, he tried IE8, Firefox 3.6 and Safari 4… couldn’t get in. Not sure how I’m going to proceed yet, but when I decide, I’ll let you know what I find. Bob
Thanks for the report, Bob. With so many other options, I’ll cross DimDim off my list.