If you’re looking for a free video chat and video email platform that performs extremely well, tokbox might be for you.
The interns at Ingenex Digital Marketing were looking for a platform that could host all of us in a chat room through video. We evaluated Skype and ooVoo, but neither of them had the capabilities that we were looking for. OoVoo advertises that you can talk with up to 6 people at the same time, however, you must pay for that service (the free service allows up to 3). Skype still does not allow more than 1 video chat at a time. So, a fellow intern stumbled upon tobox.
We started the test session out by telephone to make sure everyone was signing up correctly. What’s really convenient about tokbox is that you don’t have to download their software, everything is built into the site platform. You simply go to the site, sign in (if you don’t have your computer remember it), and you’re ready to video chat. Once we had everyone set up, we hung up the phones and began communicating completely through the video chat. There is a harsh echo if EVERYONE doesn’t use headphones, as the sound from the speakers gets picked up by the computer microphone and sent back through the chat.
From the above screen shot, you can see how neatly organized the interface is with all 6 video chats going at the same time. We also had 1 intern that didn’t have a video camera, but he was still able to participate by listening to our conversations and typing in the chat box underneath the video boxes.
You can also share video clips through a YouTube option, as well as slideshows through SlideShare. These are accessible through a simple click and drop function.
The overall quality of the video is fairly decent, considering the bandwidth its using. There was a slight delay to the voices, but nothing compared to that of the platform Stickam.
These types of platforms are so convenient for people that are spread out by large distances. We save money on gas, being very eco-conscious (HAPPY EARTH DAY!), as well as everyone’s time. So if you’re looking for a platform that is reliable and can handle multiple video chats at the same time, check this out. Let me know how it works out for you or if you have any questions!
Many thanks for the review! Please do feel free to contact me with any questions or issues.
Hi there!
I am an English teacher currently working in Sweden and I teach online courses for my employer as well as “real” classes.
I have just come home from a meeting with my boss who wants me to look into various platforms for hosting online video and voice chat so we can have conversation courses online that are more fun that the current academic exam prep courses on offer.
I googled video and chat platforms and your site popped up first
Currently I use Skype for small group chats once a week but it is very limiting… And we use Moodle for all the other course stuff.
Do you know of any other platforms that would be good for what I am looking for?
Essentially my dream wish list would be:
No limit on group size (although I know this is probably unrealistic at least 6 students and me would be good)
Must have cam (so we can all see each other)
Must have voice (so we can all chat!)
Be able to send files (.doc or pdf)
Maybe an option where we all start in one room but can split off and go into other rooms where people can complete tasks in groups of 2-4…
I am going to check out Tokbox now…..
Please do email me if you have any suggestions!!!
Thank you
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for checking out the entry on Tokbox… I have utilized the tool for quite some time now. You will be able to video chat (with audio) to 6 students at a time, as well as share direct files with them. It’s not an application that has to be downloaded (just log in on the web site) and the application will run on its own. Let me know your thoughts on the system once you give it a test run!
Best of luck,
Jeff