Interactive Web seminars gain in popularity

Posted on : 2007-06-20 13:58 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Web-based live learning a popular way to scour a new subject

Kim Su-yeon (not her real name), who is working at a PR agency, takes part in seminars regarding new media every morning. She is very much interested in this sector. Her seminars are very convenient - she does not have to leave her workplace to participate.

As she is a member of MindBranch Asia Pacific, which sends all kinds of reports on market analysis via the Internet, she can also receive opportunities to join online seminars for free. After registering for a seminar, she receives the presentation's time and Web site through e-mail. In preparation for taking a lecture, she installs related programs and downloads data. About 50 persons took part in the last seminar, and were able to ask questions through online messaging or telephone.

Company workers have shown keen interest in "Webinar,'' a combination of the words "Web" and "seminar." Webinar is a real-time interactive procedure between lecturers and participants using computers and microphones or telephones. Using this, seminar organizers can save expenses and do not have to be restricted by time and space. Participants can take part in Webinars using their computers.

In South Korea, mainly foreign IT companies have used Webinars for technological presentations or company education from about five years ago, but the online seminars have increasingly spread to the business world in general. There also are Webinars for general interest subjects, as well.

MindBranch Asia Pacific, a U.S. consulting company, currently sells an over-U.S.$3,000-priced package of next-generation TV-related market reports and related Webinars. Persons who purchase the report are also able to have a one-to-one seminar with the author.

WyzPartner Co., an Internet education and solution firm which manages Webinar sites on behalf of companies, held a book forum at its Webinar site, U-Biz Center, from January to March. WyzPartner invited famous authors of business books for a total of 22 sessions. Each session was participated in by about 130 persons on average. WyzPartner also recently held presentations on various careers via an employment search portal.

BEA Korea, the local branch of a U.S.-based software firm, operates a free Webinar center, as well. Lee Su-jeong, an official of BEA Korea, said, "Webinars can be used for informing developers as well as customers about new products and company vision."

With technological development, Webinars will take on various new forms, according to experts.

CEO Yoon Dae-seok of Sagomi Communications, an e-communications and consulting service firm, said, "There also will be Webinars reflecting the 'ubiquitous Internet' age. For example, if a cooking class is conducted via the Internet, customers can learn cooking and can show what they have made to the lecturers through video."

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]

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