They make a good argument, and Robin lists several options which I've filed away to review, but there are three features which I absolutely need:- Ability to turn on and off the cursor
- Ability to switch presenters
- Ability to give control of the screen to another person
The cursor is important, because you use it to point to specific parts of what you are presenting. I use screen sharing for workshops and without being able to point out information on applications, my presentation is hindered.
Switch Presenters
This occurs in a couple of different ways. First, if I am giving a tutorial on how to use an application, I want the audience to be able to try it out on their own computer while I watch and walk them through it. Second, when giving team workshops, I may present part of the information and then hand off the screen to my partner.
Pass Screen Control
I mostly use this in design situations. When I'm talking to a client about the custom layout for an application, it helps if they can use the cursor to point to the parts of the design they want changed. I also use it when the client is the presenter so that I can access their computer and physically show them what to do.
What I Generally Don't Need
Chat is OK for very large presentations, but I've never used it or seen in used in my workshops. Audio and video is still a little dicey because not everyone has high speed connections, so I use a telephone conference connection for the audio. Recording the presentation only works if the audio is attached to it - I'd like to use it, but never have.
Tell me - what do you want in your screen sharing applications? Do you prefer full-featured products, or do you just want the basics? What can't you live without?
My favourite screen sharing application is Vyew. It is a web-based and a live annotation tool. Its features include live desktop sharing, whiteboard and the capability to present files to your audience from whatever platform, since you only need a compatible browser. Vyew users are provided a unique teleconferencing bridge number that all presenters and attendees can call into. This is a free teleconferencing service (callers only pay for the toll, if any).It's really nice, and the current version is free to use!
Posted by: 5thAge | November 7, 2006 2:20 PM | Permalink to Comment