There are a variety of synchronous platforms that are available:

·      Adobe Connect can host collaborative meetings with colleagues anytime, anywhere on almost any device. It uses Flash, it is commercial and offers a free 30-day trial.

·      Cisco WebEX is also commercial and uses Java.  There is a free option for up to 3 people per meeting.  There are mobile apps available for iOS, Android and Blackberry just as Adobe Connect. It delivers interactive classes and online training with video, breakout sessions, testing, tracking and grading capabilities. 

·      Blackboard Collaborate is platform with which I am very familiar.  I have used this and it too can be accessed on mobile devices.  It uses Java, it is commercial and offers a 30-day free trial.  Cobb County offers this CMS to its teachers. There is two-way VoIP, multi-point video, phone conferencing, interactive whiteboard, application and desktop sharing, breakout rooms and session recording.  Teachers and students can interact as if they were face to face in the classroom.

·      GoToMeeting uses Java and is also commercial.  It also offers a free 30-day trial. It is simple but can hold unlimited online meetings with up to 25 or 100 attendees. 

·      Google+Hangouts is free but still commercial.  It can be a bit sluggish and can show only one screen at a time. It works on computers, Android and Apple and you can connect with everyone.

·      BigBlueButton is an open source and allows a free download. It offers the same type of components as Blackboard but without a fee. I am impressed how multiple users can share their webcam, which allows for online tutoring and lends itself nicely to small group collaboration. 

Tags: synchronous