T3+Skype+vs+Elluminate

=**Tool 3: Skype and Elluminate**=

Doug and Kevin

=Introduction= The collaborative technology tools, relating to communication, which we chose to research and present are Skype and Elluminate. We have included prior tools in a generic way by describing them using the term Legacy. The presentation is set up in the following format: = = =Evolution:=
 * The evolutionary process for these types of tools.
 * A video and brief background of each new tool.
 * A comparison of these two tools and legacy tools.
 * Four types of collaboration
 * References



=Skype (Video)=

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=Skype (Background)=

Skype, a voice and video over internet protocol technology was founded in 2003 by Skype Limited, of Luxemboug. This free downloadable software was aquired by Microsoft Corperation May 2011 and has 929 million registered accounts as of September 2011. Some network administrators have banned Skype on corporate, government, home, and education networks, citing reasons such as inappropriate usage of resources, excessive bandwidth usage, and security concerns (Wikipedia 2011). If you are signed in to Skype but not making any calls, Skype will use on average 0-4kbps. When you make a call, Skype will use on average between 24-128kbps (Skype 2011). Skype uses the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), also known as Rijndael to address security concerns surounding user information, which is also used by the US Government to protect sensitive information. Features protected by encryption include peer-to-peer voice and video, instant messaging and voicemails. However when calls and/or group calls are connected to landlines or cellular phones outside of the peer-to-peer network communications are no longer encrypted (Skype 2011).
 * History:**

Skype (2011) identifies the availability of many collaborative features including, Peer-to-peer calling, calling to landlines and mobiles,conference calling, video and group video calling, screen sharing, file transfers, instant messaging, text messaging as well as access to facebook.
 * Tools:**

Skype potential uses include collaboration, subject training, meetings, and presentations in teaching environments such as an online classroom.
 * Uses:**

=Elluminate (Video)=

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=**Elluminate (Background)**= Elluminate originated out of the web technologies of the 1980's and was developed by Elluminate Inc. The company was incorporated in 2001 in Calgary Alberta. There is little history showing up from the original company except a reference date back to August 4, 2010 when it was bought by Blackboard Inc. Any phone contacts are now redirected to Blackboard Collaborate.
 * History:**

Wikipedia (2011) describes Elluminate Live, now called Blackboard Collaborate, as having "communication tools include integrated Voice over IP and teleconferencing, public and private chat, quizzing and polling, emoticons, and a webcam tool. The software includes several visual tools, including whiteboard, application sharing, file transfer, and web tour. The software also includes a record feature that allows the moderator to record the class for others to watch later as well as a graphing tool, breakout rooms for group work, and timer. The whiteboard supports the uploading of presentations for viewing on the whiteboard for class or meeting".
 * Tools:**

Elluminate was originally designed to be used in an educational setting, although it has been used for other training environments. Its uses include subject training, meetings, and presentations in teaching environments such as an online classroom. Blackboard (2011) indicates that "Elluminate’s history of accessibility began with low-bandwidth connectivity and cross-platform support, adding comprehensive functionality designed to enable an increasingly wide range of users to fully engage and participate".
 * Uses:**

=Contrast and Compare Tool Functions= The group decided to use a compare and contrast option since research on legacy tools such as the telegraph and/or telephone provides limited results in terms of the software options available for modern tools. You will notice the limited capacity of legacy tools versus Skype and Elluminate (please see below).



**Collaboration Method: Syncronous Technologies, Skype/Elluminate**
The group had decided to work with four different collaboration types using the above Collaboration method. These types include:

Collaboration Type: Decision Making
Anchored Instruction; Situated Learning; Constructivism; Conversation Theory; Double-looping theory; Andragogy (if with adults); Cognitive Flexibility Theory
 * Learning Theories:**

All present for decision ; Cost savings vs. face to face ; Travel is not required ; Conversations or presentations can be archived
 * Advantages:**

Group dynamics; Time; Technology failure/issues; Participants may not be comfortable with communication tools be utilized, thus limiting contributions; Lack of reflection time; Due to technical limitations one participant can monopolize time
 * Disadvantages:**

Dependent on the strength of the technology and facilitator; Quality of solutions may be lower compared to other collaboration methods due to lack of reflection time
 * Effectiveness: **

Collaboration Type: Problem Solving
Constructivism; Situated Learning; Double-Loop Learning; Connectionism; Androgogy (If with adults); Cognitive Flexibility Theory; Connectivism
 * Learning Theories:**

All collaborators can participate in real time problem resolution and benefit directly from process, regardless of participation level
 * Advantages:**

Group dynamics; Time; Technology failure/issues; Participants may not be comfortable with communication tools be utilized, thus limiting contributions; Lack of reflection time; Due to technical limitations one participant can monopolize time
 * Disadvantages:**

Dependant on the strength of the technology and facilitator; Quality of solutions may be lower compared to other collaboration methods due to lack of reflection time
 * Effectiveness: **

= =

**Collaboration Method: Syncrounous Technologies, Skype/Elluminate**
= Collaboration Type: Brainstorming =

Constructivism; Situated Learning; Connectionism; Andragogy (if with adults); Connectivism
 * Learing Theories: **

Many views can be discussed and expressed rapidly
 * Advantages: **

Group dynamics; Time; Technology failure/issues; Participants may not be comfortable with communication tools be utilized, thus limiting contributions; Lack of reflection time; Due to technical limitations one participant can monopolize time
 * Disadvantages:**

Dependant on the strength of the technology and facilitator; Quality of solutions may be lower compared to other collaboration methods due to lack of reflection time
 * Effectiveness: **

Constructivism; Situated Learning; Connectionism; Andragogy (if with adults); Cognitive Flexibility Theory; Connectivism
 * Learning Theories:**

Social interaction
 * Advantages: **

Group dynamics; Time; Technology failure/issues; Participants may not be comfortable with communication tools be utilized, thus limiting contributions; Lack of reflection time; Due to technical limitations one participant can monopolize time
 * Disadvantages:**

Dependant on the strength of the technology and facilitator; Quality of solutions may be lower compared to other collaboration methods due to lack of reflection time
 * Effectiveness: **

Bloomberg Businessweek (2011). //Elluminate, Inc//. Retrieved September 27, 2011 from, [].
 * References:**

Blackboard Collaborate (2011). //Elluminate News: Press release//. Retrieved Septermber 27, 2011 from, [].

Google (2011). //Googlevoice//. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from, [].

Skype (2011). //Features//. Retrieved Semptember 26, 2011 from, [] . Skype (2011). //Does Skype use encryption//. Retrieved Semptember 26, 2011 from, []

Skype (2011). //How much bandwidth does Skype need//. Retrieved Semptember 26, 2011 from, []

Wikipedia (2011). //Elluminate Live//. Retrieved September 27, 2011 from, []

Wikipedia (2011). //Skype//. Retrieved September 26, 2011 from, []

Youtube (2011). //Participant orientation to Elluminate Live//. Retrived September 27, 2011 from, []

Youtube (2011). //Skype explained visually//. Retrived September 27, 2011 from, []