ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BLOG | INVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

There are a lot of new start-up companies on the web that are bring us Web 2.0 functionality at little or no cost. With more training opportunities being available on the web companies are trying to carve out space on the web for content and desktop sharing. One interesting software application that runs within a browser can be found at Vyew. Vyew is a service that will allow you to share your files, pictures, maps, as well as your desktop using any standard browser. Individuals who are hosting a session can set up their presentation ahead of time and then invite users to share their Vyewbooks with the information. The Vyew service offers users the capability to annotate on the screen as well as the ability to chat once guests are logged into the Vyew room. Hosts can upload Powerpoint, Word, and PDF documents to their Vyewbook so that viewers can have access them during a web conference. I found the environment very easy to navigate and while Vyew is a application that is constantly being upgraded it has proven to work well. Vyew also offer free conference call numbers for those who need to talk one another. Vyew also offers desktop sharing so that you can demonstrate applications on your computer. While not as full featured as dedicated sharing applications Vyew will allow you to demonstrate any application that you have on your computer screen. I am amazed that applications like this reside on the web at no cost to the user. Considering the features and the functionality I think that you will find Vyew
one site you will want to visit. Let me know what you think once you have had a chance to use Vyew.

Skype just released version 3.0 for Windows which adds some really nice features. While the Skype interface has remained the same they have made it easier to access many of the audio and sound features without having to go into the pull down menus. One of the new features which is really cool is the ability to share a whiteboard with the person that you are connected to. From a drop down menu you can select Do More and see a host of new extentions that you have access to. The whiteboard is a really nice feature and each person's pen color is different so that you know who is writing what. The first time you select one of the add-ons it downloads it to your computer and then once you use it it invites your guest to open it up. There is also the capability of recording your audio session as well as an add-on for sharing documents. Try it out you will be glad you did. The new Skype architecture is sure to get developers thinking about other applications that can be integrated into the Skype. If you haven't done so go to Skype and download the latest version you will be glad you did. Skype continues to break new ground for educators as figure out how to use this application in the work that we do. Skype makes it possible to do global projects with minimal costs. I would be interested in finding out how you are using Skype in the classroom.