Internet Workshops

Revision as of 00:55, 4 June 2007

What is an internet workshop?

Internet workshops allow people from all around Australia, and the world, to talk together as a group without any cost. It is a bit like a teleconference except that we use the computer instead of the phone, and only one person can speak at a time. There is also capacity for "chatting" in a text box while people are talking. Various PHM groups have successfully used this technology to hold meetings with many people from around the world.

We consider it important to develop our capacity to use this technology to increase our ability to communicate in groups within Australia, in our region and world-wide. This technology reduces the cost of communication and reduces the need for carbon-emitting travel which contributes to global warming.

Technical

PHM Oz internet workshops are conducted via the internet in real time voice. The platform is PalTalk: http://www.paltalk.com/

You will need:

• a headset with earphones plus boom microphone (less than $30 at any electronics computer stuff shop).
  
• a computer (PC) with Win 2000 or higher and 128 MB RAM and a sound card.

Steps to take:

• download Paltalk and set yourself up with an ID: http://www.paltalk.com/en/start_chatting.shtml
  
• let David, the convenor, know what your PT ID is so that you can be invited into the room (email below)
  
• contact the convenor to practise using paltalk prior to joining the meeting (highly recommended!)
  
• check the time difference if you don't live in Eastern Australia
• arrive 15 min early on PalTalk the first time you use it for a meeting, and 5 min early after that

For more information email david[at]phmoz.org

The next internet workshop is a continuation of the Intellectual Property and Health theme and will be held on Tuesday 10 July at 7:30pm (Melbourne Time).