Desktop Conferencing

Using your computer to teach and collaborate

KU Information Technology provides Adobe Connect desktop web conferencing service to support distance learning, professional development and encourage collaboration with colleagues around the world. Because Adobe Connect uses Adobe Flash Player, which is already installed on most web browsers, audiences can join online meetings, courses, and presentations instantly.

What would you like to do?

Get general information - what Adobe Connect can do, who can use it, where to get training, etc.
Attend training - view the KU Information Technology workshop schedule
Get started - information about hosting and presenting for faculty and staff
Present - faculty and staff can create a virtual room and get ready to collaborate
Participate - viewing and participating in an online conference
Use equipment - learn about using a camera and headset (includes purchasing recommendations)

General Information (See FAQs for more details)

What is Adobe Connect?

Acrobat Connect allows you to host live, on-line meetings from anywhere in the world. All participants need is a web browser with the Flash Player installed and an Internet connection. A meeting can have as few as two or as many as one hundred attendees.

Using this technology, you can conduct online meetings, virtual classes, and group collaboration where you can share a wide range of content, including Microsoft PowerPoint slides, live and recorded video, Flash movies, live screen sharing, application sharing, audio, and multi-user text chat.

Who can use Adobe Connect?

Only KU faculty, staff, GTAs and GRAs can use Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro to create a virtual meeting room. However, KU students as well as colleagues and researchers from around the world can be invited to participate in an online conference.

At present we are not able to offer the ability to create virtual rooms to students. Students can be configured by a host (faculty, staff, GTA or GRA) to be classified as a presenter. Additionally, several vendors offer free trials of their products, which can be found by searching the Internet.

What do I need to use Adobe Connect?

Participants only need a Flash-enabled web browser and an Internet connection.
Hosts or presenters need to download an Add-in to share your screen and upload files to meetings.
Test your computer to make sure it meets the hardware and software requirements for participating in an Adobe Connect conference.

How can this tool enhance learning in my classroom?

Adobe Connect can be used to present content and engage your students. If you are out-of-town you can still deliver a class online. If you teach in a computer equipped classroom, you can invite guest speakers to talk to your students, without the cost and time needed for travel. You can also schedule live meeting sessions as virtual office hours to answer students’ questions. Adobe Connect sessions can be recorded so you can make the recordings available to those students who were unable to attend the session. Adobe Connect also offers breakout rooms, participant polling, and other features to enhance learning. See how faculty at Purdue University are using Adobe Connect.

Is training available?

Yes, KU Information Technology staff offer workshop training on using Adobe Connect. See their workshop schedule for dates and times. The Adobe Connect Resource Center provides many guides and tutorials that can help you learn how to use this tool. Here are a few Adobe documents that can help you get started.

Learn Adobe Connect 8 - short video tutorials on commonly used features
Adobe Connect Visual Quick Start Guide for Hosts - two page reference guide (.PDF)
Adobe Connect Visual Quick Start Guide for Participants - two page reference guide (PDF)