Also check out GoTo Meeting - good service with lots of features for reasonable price.

The major players in virtual classrooms are:

WebEx
Adobe Connect Pro
Live Meeting
Go To Meeting
Eluminate
Wimba

We've used WebEx (up until last year) and Connect Pro (currently).

WebEx, Connect Pro, and Eluminate are probably the tops right now in features. I did not like Live Meeting at all when we demo'ed it. We did not demo Eluminate or Wimba.

Regarding converting your content-- you may find that you cannot simply "convert" it but might have to rework it. How you approach that depends in part on the tools available in your classroom and your ability to be creative to work around limitations. Some in class activities can transfer directly into the virtual classrooms, some must be modified. Others might become pre-work assignments or indepedent work on breaks between sessions.

I agree with Amy; you will likely find that you can not simply "convert" the same content to online. Set up some pilots to test out your approaches and content.

Also, do look at the Hofmann and Clark books and Google synchronous training for ideas on keeping the sessions engaging. One of your biggest challenges will be to keep your attendees' focus.

Good luck!

Jay

CTYMom
There are lots of tools and ways for you to go. Technology is definitely working in your favor. Yes it CAn be that easy. I suugest you strta out slow, and start with tools that do not have a large learning curve, and as you gain experience look at adding in tools that allow more functionality. I believe GOTO Meeting may be the easiest (and least expensive) Synchronous tool. If I were strtaing I would start there. Also I would start creating asynchronous eLearning using Articulate or Captivate. I would be happy to share my experience with you if desired. steve scase20@juno.com

I echo the early remark about reading Hoffman's and Clark's books.

They probably go beyond what you need right now, but that extra info and perspective may come in handy as things develop for you.