New Webex Features and Use with Classrooms

Webex is an enterprise solution for video conferencing, online, meetings, and web conferencing. It is often utilized to deliver coursework virtually.  New and much anticipated updates recently released by Cisco will provide instructors with more options.  The current Webex version includes a redesigned, more intuitive interface as well as new cohost and breakout room features.  Cohosting allows multiple participants to mute and unmute other participants and to admit people from the lobby without granting these privileges to all participants.  The breakout room feature allows the host to create a sub-set of the virtual classroom for small group collaborations.

We have witnessed an increase in the number of instructors using audiovisual equipment in university classrooms to host classes on Webex, especially if they are teaching in-person and online at the same time.  With optimal speakers, cameras, and microphones, this controlled environment produces a high-quality experience for remote participants and can accomplish this while concurrently supporting the on-site needs of instructors and students.

You may be asked for support as instructors navigate the available online teaching options.  ITS has published multiple Webex guides on the IT Knowledge Base (keyword: Webex) to support the use of new features and multi-modal teaching scenarios.