Many universities use Elluminate Live!<\/a> for distance classes. ELive is a fine tool lets users share application screens and whiteboards, participate in audio chat sessions, and move into breakout rooms for small group discussions. Sessions can be saved and viewed later. I use it in my own classes for many tasks.<\/p>\n But what if you don’t have access to ELive, or need to use only certain features? What if you don’t need synchronous communication with your audience?<\/p>\n There are some free alternatives to ELive that are worth your consideration.<\/p>\n Google Presently<\/strong><\/p>\n The latest addition to Google Docs is Presently, a presentation program that resembles and works with PowerPoint. Existing PowerPoint presentations can be uploaded and viewed at any time, or the author (or designated collaborators) can take control of the presentation and walk viewers through it. There is a text chat window so that viewers can communicate with each other or with presenters but no audio chat feature. Uploaded PowerPoint presentations will not show any animation at all (bullet points, slide transitions, etc.) and action buttons will not work. While it sounds limited, when employed for simple instruction it can be a very useful tool. This presentation<\/a> was uploaded from an existing PowerPoint presentation and shows the utility of having web access to an instructional document.<\/p>\n To use Presently, all you need is a Google account<\/a>. If you have a GMail account, use Google Reader, or keep a Blogger bog, you already have one.<\/p>\n SketchCast<\/strong><\/p>\n First there was podcasting. Then came vcasting and screencasting. As of a few weeks ago, we now have sketchcasting.<\/p>\n