Technology: Reviews - Communication Tools Matrix
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Introduction
MCR regularly uses a variety of communication tools in our day to day work:
- Skype for free computer-to-computer calling and conference calls
- Adobe Connect for meetings with multi-party video and screen sharing
- Adobe Connect for offering distance education classes and RML updates.
In addition, we have tested a number of other communications tools. The results of our tests, along with features of each tool, are listed below.
Whichever tool you use, it is important to keep aware of videoconferencing etiquette.
Communication Tools: Features Comparison*
The matrix below shows features of each of the communications tools tested by MCR staff. You may also wish to check the Comparison Chart on Wikipedia.
| Tool | Cost | Capacity | OS* | Audio | Video | Chat | Desktop Sharing | Slides (PPT) |
Share Docs | Whiteboard | Break-out | Record | Mobile |
| Large Group Presentations/Meetings | |||||||||||||
| Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro | Fee |
1,500 | All | VoIP Teleconf |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wimba / Elluminate | Fee | Unlimited | All | VoIP Teleconf |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Yugma | Free Fee |
500 | All | VoIP Teleconf |
No (unless w/Skype) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Small Group and One-to-One Meetings | |||||||||||||
| Google Talk | Free | Unlimited (Chat) |
All | VoIP | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Skype | Free | 25 (VoIP) |
All | VoIP Teleconf |
Yes | Yes | Yes (3rd party) |
No | Yes | Yes (3rd party) |
No | No | Yes |
*OS = Operating System
Communication Tools: Pros and Cons Comparison*
This chart shows the results of testing by MCR staff.
| Tool | Pros | Cons | Additional Information and Features | More Information/ Download or Purchase |
| Large Group Presentations/Meetings | ||||
|
Can be accessed through a web browser Can be used with the teleconferencing feature (for an extra fee) so users can call in using an 800 number; this saves bandwidth and reduces audio problems |
If bandwidth is low, the voice over IP feature can have audio problems |
Video-conferencing possible with inexpensive desktop web cams Screen sharing (desktop, windows, and applications) Slide share (PowerPoint) Chat Whiteboard Polls Break-out rooms Recording |
Read more: |
|
Can be accessed through a web browser |
Screen sharing does not record Video is not displayed simultaneously; it switches based on who is talking |
Video-conferencing possible with inexpensive desktop web cams Screen sharing (desktop, windows, and applications) Slide share (PowerPoint) Chat Whiteboard Polls Break-out rooms Recording |
Read more: |
|
|
Free (with basic features) |
In our tests at the MCR we found it difficult to figure out how to use this tool |
Additional features available for fee |
Read more: |
|
| Small Group and One-to-One Meetings | ||||
Free Audio quality was excellent in our testing |
Audio only |
A free web-based application for instant messaging and voice over internet protocol (VOIP), offered by Google Inc. |
Read more: |
|
Free Can do conference calls (audio only) with up to 24 people Audio quality generally excellent in MCR's day to day use |
One-to-one video only |
A free Voice Over IP (VoIP) program that lets users Instant Message (IM) or call (VoIP) through your computer One-to-one video Can call regular phones for a fee One to one screen sharing |
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*These tools were last reviewed March 2011.
MCR Staff Contact
Please contact John Bramble (john.bramble@utah.edu), Technology Coordinator, for more assistance.
