Integrated Conferencing Frequently Asked Questions

Modified on Tue, 2 Jan at 4:49 PM

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the integrated conferencing features of OrasiLabs.

What are the main features included in OrasiLabs integrated conferencing?

The main features currently provided with OrasiLabs integrated conferencing are:

Audio communication between instructors and students
The ability for instructors to share their screen with students
Picture in Picture View: Students can view the instructor screen next to their lab environment, which is especially effective for “follow me” exercises.

This is all accessible within the same interface that instructors and students currently use to access their labs and is available to students by clicking the Join Class link in the registration email.

Are there any additional technical requirements to use the integrated conferencing features?

As with any conferencing software, we do require a connection to a microphone and speaker. Our conferencing features also require a successful WebSocket connection to our conferencing APIs and this is now included in the connection check for any class that is using our integrated conferencing features.

Can I continue to use a third-party conferencing solution if I prefer?

Absolutely! The ability to associate web conferencing information from a third-party solution has not changed.

Are there any limitations to be aware of?

There is a limit of 50 participants per class if using integrated conferencing. This includes total instructors and students.
The picture-in-picture feature is not available in Firefox.

Will my hourly price increase if I use the conferencing features?

No. The hourly price for OrasiLabs has not changed. Classes that use integrated conferencing will accrue hourly charges while participants are connected to the conference or are active on the student or instructor classroom pages. Classes that do not use integrated conferencing accrue hourly charges while participants are active on the student or instructor classroom pages.

Are there additional integrated conferencing features planned?

Yes, this represents the initial release of our conferencing features. We will continue to improve/enhance these features as part of our regular release cycles moving forward. In fact, we are already working on:

the ability to test microphone and speakers both before joining the conference and while connected to the conference
the ability for instructors and students to chat with the entire class and with individual participants
the ability to only display the student's first name and last initial to other students

NOTE: While the information presented here accurately represents our current plans for future product development, it is subject to change.