I am using the virtual classrooms of iVocalize to teach the basic online calculus course this semester. iVocalize allows me to broadcast a PowerPoint presentation, browse the web with the students, and share a whiteboard on which everybody can write.

Unlike several other systems, iVocalize does not support application sharing. This is a technical handicap. But it is not only a handicap: because of this iVocalize requires less bandwidth, and the system is reliable and prompt. The other systems, that I have used and which allow application sharing, have often been sluggish to such a degree that I have preferred iVocalize over the systems which offer more functionalities.

Now iVocalize has done an important improvement: it supports screencasts. As a moderator I can cast any of the windows of my computer to the others in the virtual lecture hall. I may also allow anybody in the class room to cast one of his or her windows to the class. This is not application sharing, but, for the purposes of teaching, this is enough.

Screncasting is also prompt. It has no trace of the sluggish application sharing of the other systems.

Screencasts can be viewed by both Windows and Macs, but, for the moment, only the Windows version allows the user to cast his or her screen to the class.

I cannot wait to see how my students react to this next Tuesday.

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