Elluminate 8 promises some exciting new tools for synchronous learning

We use Elluminate statewide in the University of Alaska system. It’s a great tool for distance-delivered synchronous learning. The people behind Elluminate have announced the release of version 8 which I’m hoping we’ll migrate to sometime in the near future. The following is a partial list of some of the new features to look forward to:

1. An activity timer (useful for timed q&a sessions)
2. Synchronized note-taking capabilities which even allow participant to edit their own notes in the recording!
3. New whiteboard tools such as a multiline text editor (much needed), clickable urls, and the ability to cut and paste graphics from other applications
4. Recordings will now include indices that are searchable
5. They are expanding the full-duplex capacity of the audio chat feature to allow up to 6 simultaneous talkers
6. Save and print icons have been added to the toolbar for easy access
7. The ability to broadcast messages to all attendees even if they are in breakout rooms