Wimba Classroom 5.1 VPAT as desktop software

There are many desktop software that support social interaction at a distance education (ED). Wimba Classroom 5.1 VPAT is one of these software. Later in this paper you will get a brief description about it, its features, how it support interaction in DE.
A. Brief description:
Wimba Classroom brings to life what is otherwise typically monotonous, text-based online learning communication. Additionally, Wimba Classroom enables faculty to teach and students to learn via an effective multi-sensory approach online. Wimba Classroom is designed exclusively for education with features that promote teaching flexibility to achieve diverse instructional goals.

B. Features:
ü Multi-way Audio (VoIP)
ü Follow-The-Speaker Video
ü Application Sharing
ü Public and Private Chat
ü Emoticons
ü Break-Out Rooms
ü Full-Featured Archives
ü Telephone Access
ü Content Upload and Storage
ü Electronic Whiteboard
ü Polls, Quizzes & Surveys
ü Accessible to the Impaired

C. How it support interaction in DE:
v Communicate Naturally
Teaching and learning is easier when communication skills shine. Careful listening, a well modulated tone of voice, and reinforcing body language signal openness, friendliness, interest, and enthusiasm. Wimba Classroom brings these elements of communication online through follow-the-speaker video, emoticons, and discussion-centered Voice-over IP.

v Extend the Classroom
With Wimba Classroom, learners have access to teachers, courses, and content available beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom door. By bringing a wide variety of content into the classroom using application sharing or the whiteboard, teachers can enrich and enhance learning objectives.

v Capture Class Forever
Capturing classroom activity and making it available for review and reuse strengthens student comprehension. Record the audio, video, chat, whiteboard and application sharing in an online class, or, capture the traditional offline lecture environment. Better yet, with Wimba Classroom, you can bridge the online audience with the traditional audience to expand your learning program.

v Bring Teachers Together
Professional development is increasingly vital to school success and teacher satisfaction. With institutions facing the complex challenges of meeting the academic standards of an increasingly diverse population of students, the need for teachers to build on their instructional knowledge is key to student success. Wimba Classroom provides a flexible venue for instructors to meet, learn and collaborate online.

D. Tutor and student Roles:
v Tutor role:
ü Guide the learner through the program.
ü Provide help to the learner if they need.
ü Arrange suitable learning environment for the student to achieve the objectives of the course.
ü Give the learner control over the distance education and provide the effective feedback.
ü Encourage student to ask questions and interact with others effectively.
v Student Role:
ü Interact with the program
ü Cooperate with other learners and the tutor
ü Develop motivation to complete course.
ü Enhance their communication skills and gain knowledge throughout the course.

Done by:Aaisha Al.Badi(68701/06)

Atiya Al.saadi(68717/06)