http://eduspaces.net/steves/weblog/342129.html

In an effort to force myself to actually maitain my blog, I'm going to start sharing web-based (and hopefully free) tools that promote the collaboration and creation of content on the Web. They might be considered Web 2.0 type tools or not...or they might just be a very cool tool that can be used in the classroom. Hopefully, we'll all find something...

Tool of the Week: Google's OpenMeeting (http://code.google.com/p/openmeetings/)
Many of use have been investigating tools to promote Web conferencing and collaboration. I've used a bunch of tools for years but usually...there's a cost attached to it. Even if you find some "free" ones out there, there are limits attached to them and then it costs money. It's always ends up being something that I don't want. So I stumbled upon an open source app developed by Google, called Open Meetings. Basically, it's a tool that's comparable to Elluminate Live, which many of the districts in PA utilize for this type of environment. Here is a brief listing of the features:

•  Video/Audio sharing
• See Desktop of any participant
• Multi-Language and Customizable
• Whiteboard with drawing, write & edit, dragNDrop, Resizeing, Images (DragNDrop from Library), Symbol(s)
• Conference while drawing (4x4 or 1xn modus)
• Safe Drawings / whiteboard and load it next time, edit and resave
• Import Documents (many types)
• Send invitation and direct Links into a meeting
• Moderating System
• User-/Organisation-/Moderating- System
• Record conferences

I find the tool worth investigating...but like most OpenSource apps, it might actually make your IT dept go outside of the comfort zone related to application support, etc. There is a demo site available and that can be found at http://inno02.fh-pforzheim.de:8080/openmeetings/

Have a great weekend!

Steve