Elluminate is an extra feature to keep in mind for your PLN. It is designed to allow the users to connect to their audience for learning, teaching or just plan getting a better understanding of something.
Most of us are more familiar with Webex. Elluminate is very similar, but I think it gives you more freedom and options. The one thing I found very useful was that all participants could draw on the screen. This could be very helpful when trying to get your point across. Instead of trying to explain something and hoping the other understands, why not work together to eliminate wasted time and costs.
I believe I am going to generate a PLN around a business (Welding and Small Engine Repair) my husband would love to pursue. Setting up a PLN will get him one step closer to his dream coming true. The PLN can start his rode to gaining knowledge of the need for such a business, the experience that others have encountered and any tips or tricks of the trade. Elluminate could be useful in my PLN as he has had several calls where people are looking for something repaired or something built. One job I remember was building steel display racks for a local liquor distributor. I believe that the many phone calls and in-person meetings to finalize the design could have been eliminated using this tool.
The only downfall I found was not having a microphone. If I were one-on-one with someone, not having a mic would have been fine. But when there are multiple people (and you type slow like me), any comment I was writing seemed irrelevant because the others were on to a different subject. But don’t let that hold you back from trying Elluminate – just invest in the microphone.
Good Luck! I know your PLN is going to be awesome! You have so many good ideas and useful tips!
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