[LEARNING IN THE DIGITAL AGE] • [TECHNOLOGIES] • [TEACHING & LEARNING] • [DESIGNING THE EXPERIENCE] • [KEYS TO SUCCESS] • [FROM DESIGN TO EXPERIENCE] • [CONTACT] • [ICS HOME SITE]

Audioconferencing is a technology that brings together a real-time meeting, class, or conference of the phone lines. This type of conference service can link participants together anywhere in the world. Audioconferences are low-cost, and easy to set up and use. Depending of the service provider, many phone lines can be connected through a digital bridge, often 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These connections can be made from a meeting room, classroom, office, or from the individual participant’s personal phone.

There are many good reasons to use audioconferencing. It can help enhance and expedite the exchange of information, the gathering of opinions, and the generation of ideas. Often this technology is blended with other distance technologies such as email and the World Wide Web to accomplish desired communication goals.

Good instructional planning is essential to the success of the audioconference. Methods of managing the flow of information in this environment must be designed to create the desired level of interaction. The service agencies that provide this technology often have enhanced services that include, but are not limited to — 1) providing for small group activities within the conference, 2) moderated question and answer periods, and 3) the recording of the conference for future use.

Linked Resources

These resources will open in a new browser window. To return to the Instructional Design Website, close the browser window that opens.

Connect With WisLine: Audiconference Tips & Techniques
http://www.uwex.edu/ics/wisline/tips.htm

WisLine Tips Booklet (Requires Adobe Reader)
http://www.uwex.edu/ics/design/booklet.pdf

Video about Audioconferencing
Movies requires the use of a media player. Free download links at bottom of page. These items will open in a new window. Close the new window to return to this page.

To download file for portable media player, right-click and choose "Save Target As." Then, load the saved file to your portable media player.

Download Media Players (free)