Web conferencing and video conferencing are two popular ways of delivering online training, but they are not the same. In this article, you will learn the differences between them, and the pros and cons of each option for your training needs.
Web conferencing is a type of online meeting that allows participants to interact with each other and the presenter through audio, video, chat, and screen sharing. Web conferencing can be used for live or recorded training sessions, webinars, workshops, and presentations. Some common web conferencing tools are Zoom, Webex, GoToMeeting, and Adobe Connect.
Video conferencing is a type of online communication that enables face-to-face conversations among two or more people using video and audio. Video conferencing can be used for informal or formal training, coaching, mentoring, and collaboration. Some common video conferencing tools are Skype, Google Meet, Facetime, and Microsoft Teams.
Web conferencing and video conferencing have some similarities and differences. Both options allow you to connect with your learners remotely, save time and money on travel, and use various features to enhance your training. However, they also have some distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals, audience, and content.
Web conferencing offers several advantages for online training, such as accommodating large groups of learners and multiple presenters, providing more interactivity and engagement through polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and annotations, and allowing for more flexibility and control over the pace, duration, and format of your training sessions. Additionally, web conferencing can record and archive your sessions for future reference or on-demand access.
Web conferencing has some drawbacks for online training, such as requiring more bandwidth and technical support than video conferencing. It can also be more difficult to establish rapport and trust with learners without seeing their faces and body language, as well as more prone to distractions and interruptions from other applications or notifications. Additionally, it can be more challenging to assess the learning outcomes and feedback of your learners without direct observation or interaction.
Video conferencing can offer many advantages for online training by creating a more personal connection with learners, fostering collaboration and communication, simulating a real classroom or workplace environment, and supporting informal and spontaneous learning opportunities. By showing learners' faces and expressions, using natural gestures and cues, and providing a platform for spontaneous interactions, video conferencing can make online training more engaging and effective.
Video conferencing has some drawbacks for online training, such as limiting the number of participants and speakers, offering less interactivity and engagement than web conferencing, imposing more constraints on your schedule, availability, and preparation, as well as affecting the quality and reliability of your sessions due to network issues, background noise, or camera problems.