The following news item was originally published in T.H.E. Journal:
http://www.thejournal.com/articles/20626
Wimba Launches Live Classroom 5
by Michelle Rutledge
Educational technology company Wimba has released Live Classroom version 5.0, the latest version of the virtual classroom suite for online courses and meetings. The upgrade adds new multimedia functionality and phone conferencing capabilities.
One of the new technologies in Live Classroom 5.0 is a feature called “follow the speaker.” During videoconferencing sessions, the technology can switch the video display of the speaker by using voice detection. In addition, the upgrade has new phone conferencing features designed to allow participants to use a telephone if a computer is not available.
Additional phone capabilities include polls and hand raising.
The new version also features breakout rooms in which studnts can meet separately and emoticons.