I wanted to introduce the team to some online software that might help you with your SME meetings. It a web-based Adobe program called acrobat.com. It is not associated with Adobe acrobat, the PDFviewing software. But the website is literally:
https://acrobat.com/
There are two functions to this program. One is a file sharing service where you can edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online and in real time. I tend to prefer google docs for this function.
The second function is incredibly valuable. It is a virtual meeting space. If you sign up with a free adobe account, then they give you your own meeting space and custom url. The great thing is that SMEs do not need to sign up for an adobe account in order to enter the meeting. You email them your custom url and they enter from their browser and have the option of logging on as a guest. Here are some screen shots to show you the meeting space.
This is the file sharing portion of acrobat.com. Again, it has similar functionality as google docs.
This is the virtual meeting space. You can think of it as a beefed up version of skype. The benefit of a web app is that you do not have to download a program, install it, or check for updates. There is a microphone and web cam, as well as a chat, file sharing window, a notes section (which can be saved as a PDF and emailed to participants), and a whiteboard. Each of those windows are adjustable and can be moved, reshaped, or omitted from the meeting space.
Also similar to skype is a screen sharing function. This is where I think that acrobat.com really proves itself as a good tool for us Instructional Designers. We have the option of sharing either our desktops, or specific windows or applications with other people in the meeting. We can also request to take control of another persons desktop. So, for example, I am working with a SME on a document and I am reviewing a syllabus or course map with her. She might notice an error all of a sudden. She can request to take control of my desktop (assuming that the document is on my computer) and correct the error.
Here is another shot of the 'start screen sharing' window that pops up. You notice that I can pick and choose which windows or applications the other participant(s) are able to see. This is convenience if you have pop up windows, like outlook reminders, and you don't want the people to see anything other than what you are showing them.
In short, I have used acrobat.com with SMEs, and they find it very useful because I can review documents with them in order to explain things, like how to fill out a course map and what I need from them in their documentation. It's quite painless and worth giving it a try. If you have ever downloaded anything from adobe before (i.e. trial software), then you already have an adobe account, so set up your meeting space. If you want a live demo, email me and I will invite you to my meeting space and show you around.
This is the file sharing portion of acrobat.com. Again, it has similar functionality as google docs.
This is the virtual meeting space. You can think of it as a beefed up version of skype. The benefit of a web app is that you do not have to download a program, install it, or check for updates. There is a microphone and web cam, as well as a chat, file sharing window, a notes section (which can be saved as a PDF and emailed to participants), and a whiteboard. Each of those windows are adjustable and can be moved, reshaped, or omitted from the meeting space.
To invite participants, you click the button up top and a window appears (shown on the screen grab above) with a url link that you can email to the SME.
Also similar to skype is a screen sharing function. This is where I think that acrobat.com really proves itself as a good tool for us Instructional Designers. We have the option of sharing either our desktops, or specific windows or applications with other people in the meeting. We can also request to take control of another persons desktop. So, for example, I am working with a SME on a document and I am reviewing a syllabus or course map with her. She might notice an error all of a sudden. She can request to take control of my desktop (assuming that the document is on my computer) and correct the error.
Here is another shot of the 'start screen sharing' window that pops up. You notice that I can pick and choose which windows or applications the other participant(s) are able to see. This is convenience if you have pop up windows, like outlook reminders, and you don't want the people to see anything other than what you are showing them.
In short, I have used acrobat.com with SMEs, and they find it very useful because I can review documents with them in order to explain things, like how to fill out a course map and what I need from them in their documentation. It's quite painless and worth giving it a try. If you have ever downloaded anything from adobe before (i.e. trial software), then you already have an adobe account, so set up your meeting space. If you want a live demo, email me and I will invite you to my meeting space and show you around.
Comments
Post a Comment