While TopClass has discussion and messaging as part of its total package, there are many kinds of specialised conferencing software. Motet is the web conferencing program currently being trialled by the University of Newcastle. Motet is a system for enabling written online discussions.
Motet manages the administrative details, leaving participants free to focus on the content.
Fairly intuitive navigational tools, a graphical interface and a variety of user options eliminate the need for extensive maintenance, while facilitating a conversational forum. Participants need not be logged on at the same time, Motet stores the discussion and presents the postings in a consecutive format, so the discussion has the flow of a real-time conversation. While Motet 'remembers' what has been read, so that readers are only presented with new messages, users can refer back to old postings. How Motet Works Motet allows the setting up of an unlimited number of conferences , which can be public, open to all registered users, or private, limited to designated users. Each conference is supervised by a host or hosts, who are able to edit postings, set posting rights, and determine who can start new topics.