UGA has been inducted into the inaugural class of Wimba Inc.’s, Hall of Fame for Excellence in Collaboration during a ceremony at the company’s third annual user conference in Orlando.
Wimba is a leading provider of collaborative solutions for educators around the world.
Since 2001, UGA has embraced Wimba’s collaboration solutions for a range of uses, including online courses for students and meetings for thousands of faculty and staff across the state.
UGA’s Cooperative Extension began using Wimba three years ago to hold statewide staff meetings—saving money and the environment while increasing participation. Its 2007 assessment indicated it saved more than $20,000 by meeting live online via Wimba, eliminating approximately 21 tons of carbon dioxide by reducing time spent driving to meeting sites.
Recent budget constraints also led UGA Cooperative Extension agents and specialist in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences to hold a regional conference for schools across the southeastern U.S. entirely online via Wimba. This conference saved more than $30,000 in registration fees, mileage reimbursement and meal costs.
Representing UGA at the awards ceremony were Robert Ethier, instructional technology support specialist in EITS; Janet Sylvia, digital media professional in the Office of Information and Technology; and Janet Valente, program development specialist in Cooperative Extension for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
