E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.1 – Delivery Methods and the Synchronous Vendor Market Quest

Compose a blog post regarding the available options in the synchronous delivery market for learning.

The appeal in taking an online class is the ability to complete the coursework on one's own time schedule.  Students as well as teachers do not have to make a commitment to be on the computer at the same time in order to assign work and grade.  However, with online learning communication is key.  And just having the opportunity to be able to speak with the teacher and be able to have him/her provide notes/videos/practice problems directly to the student does alleviate some confusion online students experience.  

There are many options available for synchronous delivery.  An organization, school or business, must decide on one though that can functionally cater to the size of the group as well as provide the necessary tools to enhance the synchronous experience.  Through research I have learned about a couple different systems: Adobe Connect, Elluminate Live!, WebEx Training, Microsoft Live, GoToMeeting, Interwise Connect, D2L, LearnLinc, and Second Life.  (file:///C:/Users/e200511093/Downloads/sls_abstract_625%20(2).pdf)

With my experience at GaVS, I am familiar first-hand with D2L, Adobe Connect, and Elluminate Live!.  I decided to further investigate the appeal of other synchronous delivery options.

LearnLinc:  This one seems to be geared more to the corporate (i.e. specifically medical) learning experience.  It does have similar functions to Adobe such as audio conferencing, the ability to talk or be "on air" (though only one can speak at a time), hand raising ability, text message--both private and public.  Additionally it does provide the user with a network bandwith monitor.  By the appearance of the system, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as Adobe Connect. (http://learnlinc.com/)

Interwise Connect: This is provide by AT&T business so it is catering to a specific audience.  The appeal is that it enables "mobile collaboration" so connectivity should not be an issue.  On the go once can schedule business meetings and easily desktop share applications like Outlook.  In addition, there is always an available meeting room that a simple email with the link to the room is enough to set up a collaborative meeting.  (http://www.business.att.com/enterprise/Family/unified-communications/business-collaboration-services/)