Definition:
A webinar is a live educational presentation in which viewers participate and can submit questions and comments.
A webinar is a short form of “webinar”, it is a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the web using some type of video conferencing software. A key feature of a webinar is its interactive elements, as it possesses the ability to give, receive and analyze information in real time. Through the webinar software, participants can share audio, documents and applications with attendees, this being very useful when the webinar host is holding a conference or an information session.
While the webinar host is speaking, applications or documents related to the topic can be shared at the same time.
Difference between a webinar and a webcast
The webinar concept is in contrast to the webcast, where only data is transmitted in one direction and no interaction between the presenter and the audience is possible. A webinar expands the idea of a webcast in a more interactive format. The experience tries to replicate the benefits of attending a live seminar, in which members of the audience can ask questions of the presenter and the presenter in turn can ask them to the viewers, obtaining feedback on how he is performing the presentation.
How a webinar works
To keep these elements interactive, you need a webinar technology provider, which also performs the basic service needed for audio and video. Many software packages also include the ability to schedule events with automated registration for attendees. Some integrate billing and payment processing, for those seminars that have registration fees. Chat and Q&A functions, where presenters can view messages from the audience and choose whether to broadcast those messages to all participants, ignore them or respond privately, are often subject to greater control.
Webinars are characterized by the use of slides and projections, streaming content with live communication, functionalities such as chat communication, surveys and questionnaires and the possibility of downloading additional content. To be able to participate in a webinar it is necessary to have a good internet connection, in addition to the corresponding hardware equipment to be connected to the seminar, that is, microphone, webcam and headphones.
Pros and cons of Webinars
Undoubtedly, the appearance of webinars has meant a change for distance learning, and more and more users are benefiting from this type of seminars that nevertheless have both advantages and disadvantages. Among the main benefits of webinars we find:
- Exchange of information:this is a great advantage over traditional seminars since thanks to the power of the internet we can be in a constant flow of exchange of content, opinions, suggestions, questions and all kinds of information before, during and after the webinar.
- Savings:being able to attend these conferences without leaving home means a great saving both in the economic costs of travel and derivatives, as well as the time we save avoiding having to move.
- Greater capacity:unlike a standard seminar that is limited by the capacity, webinars have a much larger capacity, which can be practically unlimited depending on their characteristics.
As for the disadvantages, we can highlight:
- Connection dependency: any failure in the internet connection or technical problems may result in the suspension of the webinar or the impossibility of attending the webinar for those who suffer from technical problems.
- Less presence:the fact that everything is developed online causes the impact that the west can generate in a physical way to be lost, and minimizes the interaction between speakers and participants.
Tools used for Webinars
To organize and conduct a successful webinar, it is essential to have the right tools to facilitate transmission and interaction. Below are some of the most popular and effective webinar tools:
- Zoom: Known for its ease of use and reliability, Zoom offers features such as HD video, live chat, session recording and screen sharing capabilities. It is a popular choice for both small meetings and large webinars.
- GoToWebinar: This platform is ideal for companies looking to conduct large-scale webinars. It offers features such as real-time polls, detailed audience analytics and branding customization options.
- Webex: Offered by Cisco, Webex is known for its robust security and its ability to integrate productivity applications. It includes features such as chat, polls and the ability to share documents in real time.
- Microsoft Teams: Although best known as a collaboration tool, Microsoft Teams also supports webinars with features such as session recording, integration with other Microsoft applications and customization options.
- Google Meet: Part of the Google Workspace ecosystem, Google Meet is a simple option for those looking for a fast and efficient webinar solution. It offers integration with Google Calendar and allows screen sharing and recording sessions.
- Demio: Designed specifically for webinars, Demio offers a simplified user experience with features such as event automation, detailed analytics and branding options.
- Livestorm: This platform focuses on accessibility and interaction, offering features such as surveys, Q&A, and the ability to integrate marketing and CRM tools.