Drop Box is a program that works as a special folder on your computer. As a user, you can drop files into the folder and they will be available from any of your other computers or on the internet. When you want to view, upload, or download files to your Drop Box you can access it by visiting www.getdropbox.com.
Another way to access your Drop Box, on your personal computer, is by using the tray icon (on the bottom right hand side of the screen). By clicking on this icon (a picture of the blue open box), you can quickly access your Drop Box folder, the web, or other options.
If you choose to share any document or folder with group members, classmates, or colleagues, you can do this by using Drop Box. Simply right clicking on the document or folder, move down the menu to the Drop Box choice, and select “Share”. This tool is very helpful when exchanging documents for collective bargaining or arbitration. In order to share different contract proposals or arbitration provisions teams need to be able to quickly exchange documents. Drop Box can aid in this process.
Teams should also be aware that they must be available to discuss and explain the different parts of each provision and proposal. Another helpful tool, ooVoo, makes it possible for teams, colleagues, and group members to set up video conferences and communicate via the internet.
ooVoo is a free program that allows users to video chat over the internet with multiple people. All you need to use ooVoo is broadband internet access and a computer with a webcam and a microphone. If your computer does not have these features built in, you can purchase a webcam and microphone from many retailers (including Meijer, Target, and Best Buy). A headset is an even better upgrade, because it makes communication easier and clearer. Headphones also stop the "echo sound" you often hear on free video chat systems.
To begin using ooVoo, you simply download the free program and create a user name. You can search for friends, and accept their contact lists in order to quickly build ooVoo contacts. Users can then communicate through video conferencing by calling other available users. You can even communicate with friends or group members without ooVoo by accepting their calls from different web browsers.
ooVoo has many other features that will be helpful during collective bargaining and arbitration. You can use ooVoo to share documents, chat through text or instant messages, and discuss your proposals or problems with Prof. Swift.
ooVoo will give group members the chance to become familiar with video conferencing and communicating over the internet. The business world is beginning to use this type of communication more often, and student will most likely use it in their careers. This technology will make it easier to meet and discuss assignments, because group members can be in different places and still communicate.
