Web conferencing
Web conferencing, or online conferencing, is a method of using the Internet to conduct live meetings, trainings, or presentations among two or more users in two or more locations. Participants in web conferences receive the content and interact with presenters and/or other attendees while sitting in front of their computers and being connected via the Internet. In its broadest sense, the term Web conferencing includes the broadcasting of audio or video content to recipients with little or no audience interaction (Webcasts); to presenting of a lecture or workshop that may include partial or full interaction between the audience and presenters (Webinars); to live meetings that are fully interactive (Web meetings).
Web conferences involve real-time audio and/or video sessions. In the early years of the Internet, the term "web conferencing" often was used to describe a group discussion in a message board and therefore not live. The term has evolved to refer specifically to live or "synchronous" meetings. However, there may be an option of having some or all presentations recorded, such that some participants can choose to view them at a time more convenient for them (on demand). The sessions may be conducted via a web-based connection, which requires attendees to simply enter a web site address (URL) to enter the conference, or the connection may be via a downloaded application on each of the attendee’s computers.
