Faculty Directions, Spring 2003 - MS NetMeeting Enhances Experimental Statistics Classes

Larry Grimes
Department of Experimental Statistics

For several years, I have successfully used Microsoft Netmeeting, especially the whiteboard feature, with my experimental statistics students in "smart" classrooms.
Microsoft NetMeeting is free software that allows computer collaboration via the network (or Internet). While the audio and video components are only available between two computers, the other features allow up to 12 computers simultaneously to form a collaborating group.

The digital whiteboard allows handwritten notes to be displayed and saved for later review (for example on the class Web page). Screen captures of any software or image are easily pasted on the whiteboard for annotation. All members of the collaborating group can be allowed to write on the whiteboard.

Software sharing allows one member of the collaborating group to open an application (not necessarily available on all the computers) in such a way that it can be viewed simultaneously by all other members of the group. Control of the application can be shared one at a time with other members, even though they may not have the software physically installed on their computer. This feature is excellent for training, demonstrations, and document collaboration.

I will be glad to help others get started using NetMeetng with their students. My email address is lwgrm@clemson.edu.