http://collaboration.about.com/od/webconferencing/tp/8-Web-Conferencing-Tool... Higher levels of engagement in online seminars and virtual classrooms is now possible because web conferencing tools have helped advance communication and collaboration capabilities. Research has shown, as cited in a Georgetown University case study<http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/case-study-12-georgetown-universit...> that faculty incorporating web conferencing into their courses as well as placing students into the instructor role can increase comprehension and retention. Educators, corporate trainers, and event managers have many more web conferencing options available than ever before to enrich skills training through social learning. These web conferencing tools among others provide a full range of webinar, eLearning, and online meeting platforms to create, assemble, and deliver programs anywhere on any device in real-time or on-demand. 1. AT&T Connect<http://www.business.att.com/enterprise/Family/unified-communications/busines...> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/U/2/-/-/att_vt_rgb_grd_wht.jpg> AT&T Connect's enterprise and small business plans integrate audio, web, and video conferencing capabilities running on its MPLS IP-based network. A biotechnology manufacturer<http://www.business.att.com/content/article/global-biotechnology-collaborati...> hosts high quality presentations, facilitating interactive discussions among as many as 300 scientists to help build stronger relationships. Co-hosts can also manage an eLearning workshop where participants can annotate shared application content, send notes, and participate in interactive discussions. Video conferencing includes up to 4-way continuous streaming, from desktop or laptop. Manufacturer's Site<http://www.business.att.com/enterprise/Family/unified-communications/busines...> Ads 2. Adobe Connect <http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/elearning.html> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/V/2/-/-/adobe-connect-logo.png> Adobe Connect’s enterprise web conferencing tools can be used on any device. The eLearning tool allows you to share audio, video, and interact with participants through polls, interactive games and quizzes. You can record and edit audio synchronized to PowerPoint slide animations, along with video from webcam or file. The unique recorded meeting index records at the content and event level, which can also be edited for offline use. Adobe Connect is instrumental in transforming the way the firehouse staff shares information throughout the City of Davenport, Iowa’s<http://wwwimages.adobe.com/www.adobe.com/content/dam/Adobe/en/casestudies/so...> fire department over a 64-square mile area, including informal, on-the-spot instruction, or structured training. Manufacturer's Site<http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/elearning.html>Read Review<http://collaboration.about.com/od/enterprise/ss/Adobe-Connect-9-Advanced-Too...> 3. Blackboard Collaborate<http://www.blackboard.com/platforms/collaborate/overview.aspx> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/8/2/-/-/Bb_Collaborate_stack.jpg> Blackboard Collaborate's comprehensive learning platform is used in education and business. At the University of Idaho<http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=orcs8rtgTuc>, faculty use iPads to deliver courses and students can participate wherever they are. Two-way audio, video, chat, whiteboard, and application sharing are standard tools. In Blackboard Collaborate, teachers and trainers can create breakout rooms for active participants to work and engage in real world projects or case studies. Manufacturer's Site<http://www.blackboard.com/platforms/collaborate/overview.aspx>Read Review<http://collaboration.about.com/od/Reviews/p/Blackboard-Collaborate-S-Live-Vi...> 4. Citrix Online<http://www.citrixonline.com/collaboration/online_collaboration> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/W/2/-/-/CitrixOnline_logo_web.png> Citrix Online collaboration products include GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, and GoToTraining. Interactive training sessions for up to 200 people can be hosted anywhere. Participants can interact through integrated audio and text chat. Princeton Financial Group<http://www.gotomeeting.com/fec/training/online_training_software_reviews> offers proprietary research and advice to institutional portfolio managers worldwide and online training allows them to show clients dynamically what they observe in the markets, which we can also be recorded to view at their convenience. Manufacturer's Site<http://www.citrixonline.com/collaboration/online_collaboration>Read Review<http://collaboration.about.com/od/Reviews/p/Citrix-Gotomeeting-Hdfaces-For-H...> 5. iLinc Communications <http://www.ilinc.com/> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/X/2/-/-/ilinc-logo-042412.png> iLinc Communications offers iLinc Suite, a webinar, learning, and meeting toolset, either hosted SaaS or installed product. Participation meters can be used to manage your audience's attention as you engage in polls, feedback mechanisms and chat. Breakout group functionality helps specialized work or study groups to collaborate among divided smaller group spaces, while iLinc sessions can be recorded for on-demand access. Marist College<http://www.ilinc.com/pdf/case-studies/ilinc-marist-college-case-study.pdf> uses iLinc to conduct online open houses and has shown greater participation than live open house sessions. Manufacturer's Site <http://www.ilinc.com/> 6. Microsoft Lync<http://lync.microsoft.com/en-us/what-is-lync/Pages/what-is-lync.aspx?Title=c...> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/Y/2/-/-/MSFT_logo_Web.jpg> Microsoft Lync's integrated web conferencing tools provides functions for audio and video conferences and online meetings. Lync Online in Office 365 or as a separate tool, and Lync Server can integrate unified communications capabilities to instantly connect for meetings and conferences with your applications. Marquette University<http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Microsoft-Exchange-Server-2007/Marquett...> deployed conferencing, voice, and instant messaging programs and applications that helps the university offer better services for students. Manufacturer's Site<http://lync.microsoft.com/en-us/what-is-lync/Pages/what-is-lync.aspx?Title=conferencing&tabID=1&itemID=5>Read Review<http://collaboration.about.com/od/group/ss/Microsoft-Lync-Online-Options-For...> 7. PGi GlobalMeet <http://www.pgi.com/us/en/conferencing/GlobalMeet/> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/Z/2/-/-/PGi-Logo.png> PGi's GlobalMeet offers web conferencing tools to conduct virtual meetings, webinars, and online training. Conferencing formats, including polls, and Q&A can be recorded and stored along with meeting notes in the cloud-based content library and accessed on-demand. TheAccreditation Commission for Audiology<http://learn.pgi.com.s652.gridserver.com/learn/sites/default/files/papers/AC...> in Washington, D.C. uses GlobalMeet to host secure and confidential online meetings for the Board of Directors, who hold regular meetings between colleagues and their clients located in different areas across the U.S. Manufacturer's Site <http://www.pgi.com/us/en/conferencing/GlobalMeet/>Read Review<http://collaboration.about.com/od/enterprise/ss/Pgi-Globalmeet-Web-Conferenc...> 8. Saba Web Conferencing <http://www.saba.com/online-collaboration-tools/> <http://0.tqn.com/d/collaboration/1/0/_/2/-/-/images.jpg> Saba web conferencing includes cloud meeting software to share media from any device. Webinar tools can be used for online seminars for up to 1500 attendees with multiple presenters, utilizing interactive real-time polls and surveys and sharing HD video and audio. Bupa International's<http://www.saba.com/resources/casestudies/saba-cs-bupa-uk.pdf> knowledge network is an example how a company can cultivate collaboration across continents through self-paced web training and an interactive real-time training environment. Saba virtual classrooms offer desktop sharing, drawing tools, and breakout rooms, and lecture recordings for on-demand access. Glenn McKnight mcknight.glenn@gmail.com skype gmcknight twitter gmcknight .