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WHAT IS A WEBINAR?
Webinars are a relatively new
advancement which have taken the
Internet by storm. Basically, they allow
you to hold seminars via the web, hence
the name ‘webinar’.
During a webinar you can listen to the
presenters live, and watch their
presentation
or screen almost as though you
were right there in the room with them.
You can ask questions via a question
box, or raise your hand if you want to
actually speak.
WHAT DO I NEED?
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN A WEBINAR?
You can simply register by clicking on
the link of any webinar on the left.
Once you have pre-registered for a
webinar, the system will send you a link
via email which you click on in
order to join the webinar shortly before
it starts. (If you happen to be running
a bit late, you can still click on this
same link to join the webinar at any
stage of its duration.) When you’re
ready to join - preferably about 10
minutes before it is due to begin -
simply click on the provided link and
wait for the software to download and
initiate. This may take several minutes.
WHAT DO
I NEED AND HOW MUCH BANDWIDTH DOES IT
USE?
Many members are as yet unfamiliar with
webinars, and worry about the
technological and bandwidth requirements
they would need to take advantage of
their benefits. However, we use a
platform called ‘GoToWebinar’ and find
it to be very user-friendly.
‘GoToWebinar’ is one of the largest
providers of webinar technologies in the
world, so their software is trustworthy
and reliable. They offer 24-hour support
for participants who may have any
problems.
All you need is a reasonable PC or
laptop with speakers (headphones really
help, especially if you’re using a
laptop). You do not have to have a
microphone unless you want to speak.
(Most participants type their questions
and comments through, rather than
speak.)
A full 90-minute webinar with viewing
screen only requires about 90Mb of
bandwidth. At most, this will cost you
about R30 in bandwidth if you are on a
small 3G account, and a lot less on
larger 3G accounts or ADSL. |
