Web 2.0 Tools for Communication

Name of the Tool:
TokBox

URL of the Tool:
www.tokbox.com

Category:
Communication Tool

Basic description of the TokBox:
TokBox is a web 2.0 Communication Tool that allows the user to videoconference up to 20 people for free without the need to download anything. You can share videos, documents, presentations, and photos. You can also record and send video messages. You can purchase options to broadcast and/or moderate sessions to an audience of up to 200 people.

What do you need to know before using TokBox:
Prospective users should be familiar with setting up and using a webcam.

What do you need to have before using Tokbox:
Users only need internet access and a webcam. You will also need to have all of your contacts information (email, IM address) in order to setup a TokBox video conference.

How to get started using TokBox:

Go to tokbox website: www.tokbox.com

Create your TokBox account:










Once you have created your account, add contacts to your TokBox (either by email address by clicking on the "+" sign or by logging into one of your social networking websites.



















Update your profile and account setting by going to the account drop arrow at the top-right corner of the screen.

Congratulations! You are now ready to create your own TokBox Videoconference / Video Chat. Click on one of the icons to begin:










TokBox sample:
Currently a TokBox video chat cannot be recorded. I have found a slideshare presentation that shows how to setup a slideshare video once you have an account.

Tokbox 1

Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/henghx

Examples of using TokBox in the teaching environment:
The following are potential uses for TokBox in a teaching environment:

Educators in a public speaking online course can use TokBox to have students present speeches either one-on-one with the professor, in small collaborative groups, or for presentation to the entire class. TokBox allows the presenter to readily see audience response as his/her speech is given. This is one of the major concerns in delivering a Public Speaking course online.

Students in online courses can use TokBox as a means of collaboration to discuss group assignments and share pertinent information.

Instructors in a particular subject area can use TokBox for meetings and/or collaboration. Distirct-wide instructors can collaborate from their own classrooms/offices without the need to travel to one place to conduct training sessions.

Teachers can use TokBox to communicate with parents and conduct parent-teacher conferences or progress updates.

Advantages of using TokBox in a teaching environment:
TokBox is a free to use and only needs internet access and a webcam to use without the need to download anything.

Disadvantages of using TokBox in a teaching environment:
Some aspects are in Beta testing and may be removed or implemented with a fee at anytime.

Privacy and parental issues may arise if used in middle or secondary schools by educators.

Network security issues may prevent school districts from using TokBox.