Web conferencing is innovative and cost-saving for those large companies who need to reach out to clients across the world. Over the years, technology has expanded from conference calls via telephone to webinars. What is web conferencing? Simply stated, it is a solution that brings people together from multiple locations to share information in an interactive environment with other users over the Internet. From multi-million dollar corporations to home offices, web conferencing increases productivity by having decision makers all present in a single setting to discuss budgets, logos, campaigns, and other strategic topics.
During these conferences, ideas are generated through shared applications, such as polling and virtual whiteboards, and the web conferences usually include real-time VoIP (voice over IP) to accompany presentations with audio. Web conferencing also includes the ability to display and interpret PowerPoint slides and documents, send text messages, and it can record a meeting session offline as well as online. [1]
During these conferences, ideas are generated through shared applications, such as polling and virtual whiteboards, and the web conferences usually include real-time VoIP (voice over IP) to accompany presentations with audio. Web conferencing also includes the ability to display and interpret PowerPoint slides and documents, send text messages, and it can record a meeting session offline as well as online. [1]
“The internet has made it possible for those involved in teleconferences to share computer desktops, Using services such as WebEx or GoToMeeting, conference Participants log into common software that allows them to broadcast their computer display to the group” [2]
Webinars and online video are today's fastest growing information distribution platforms. Its little wonder when you consider the value provided to the producers, participants, and viewers by such a convenient, robust communication venue. [3]
In my experience, I have found webinars to be both a help and a hindrance. For educational purposes, I find them to be convenient and cost-effective. There are opportunities for asking questions, immediate feedback and group participation. Attendance can be accessed from anywhere (home, work or even vacation) and it also allows for saving the program for viewing at another time. In nursing, many of them are free and offer CEUs. Webinars and conferencing is priceless when it comes to education and also in the workplace for conferencing with clients all over however they can also be a hindrance with great limitations.
We are in the process of implementing an EMR. Due to time constraints, travel costs and lack of personnel the company we are currently involved with has taken to webinars in place of their site visits. They have also included other sites conferenced in on the same calls. At times, we could have up to 2-3 different facilities across the country participating. In healthcare, regulations vary from state to state and questions presented during the conference at times have no bearing on what others are doing. This can drag on the webinar and decrease the attention span of the participants.
Time constraint is another downfall. All issues may not be answered or material may not be covered, which results in an additional webinar. The main disadvantage is the lack of interaction between the participators and the presenter as the entire seminar is conducted online. The presenter is little more than a voice on the other end, so the instructor cannot gauge the level of understanding among the participants. Brainstorming and sharing of thoughts are particularly minimal. The level of synergy is lost. It proves to be a handicap when it comes to reinforcing the subject as it limits the ability to practice and refine new skills. Also in webinars, the different learning styles of people cannot be addressed properly. [4]
In healthcare, this platform, although convenient, will never replace an actual site visit from the vendors. Companies need to get a real “feel” of a facility, understand workflow and interview staff about the applications they are implementing. The company implementing our program also offers webinars for an exorbitant fee and recommends purchasing them in a series grouped in a “package” in order to fully understand their software. Although it may be cost-effective and lucrative for the company offering the service, it is a financial burden and at times inconvenience for those participating. What may be cost-effective for the company using this platform may not be so efficient and productive for those dependent on knowledge transfer.
[2] Stair, Ralph & Reynolds, George (Sixth Edition) Fundamentals of Information Systems p.194
No comments:
Post a Comment