If you are like many students across the country, your courses have suddenly gone online because the campus has been closed due to the epidemic of the coronavirus. This online change is happening on an even larger scale when you consider the millions of employees who have moved from traditional offices to home offices.
At first glance, it seems impossible to quickly learn how to use web conferencing technology in your now distant university courses. However, if you get used to virtual participation, you will develop skills for the future, including your future career. A study by Owl Labs in 2019 showed that 62% of study participants worked at least temporarily at a distance and 30% worked full-time at a distance. And that was before COVID-19.
Communication and collaboration are important components of distance learning and working, and live online meetings are a way for virtual groups to connect. Whichever tool your school and teachers choose (for example, Zoom, Collaboration, Webex, BigBlueButton, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams), you can take action before, during and after the live sessions to optimize the experience. use. in their lessons
Before your first (or next) session
Test your access.
Make sure you can connect to your school’s web conferencing system from your location and the device you want to use. Some systems have smartphone applications and online access via a laptop. You can find ways to test your settings well before your meeting. For example, Zoom offers a test meeting area that you can try yourself at any time and GoToMeeting offers a system check.
Identify your sources of technical support.
Your school library and technology help desk, as well as other support services, may already offer online materials to guide you in using the tools the school has access to, including conference. These materials, such as. B. Tutorials and quick start guides contain step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. This is a good place to start.
Report any problems or concerns.
Please tell your teacher as soon as possible if, for example, you do not have Internet access or if you do not have sufficient broadband speed to broadcast a live meeting. Teachers can work with students to find other ways to connect, for example, B. through recorded class meetings. At the same time, they do not know that you need help or have problems if you do not take the initiative to share this information.
Before your first (or next) session
Test your access.
Make sure you can connect to your school’s web conferencing system from your location and the device you want to use. Some systems have smartphone applications and online access via a laptop. You can find ways to test your settings well before your meeting. For example, Zoom offers a test meeting area that you can try yourself at any time and GoToMeeting offers a system check.
Identify your sources of technical support.
Your school library and technical support, as well as other support services, may already offer online materials to guide you in using the tools the school has access to, including conference systems. These materials, such as. B. Tutorials and quick start guides contain step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. This is a good place to start.
Report any problems or concerns.
Please inform your teacher as soon as possible if, for example, you do not have access to the Internet or if you do not have sufficient broadband speed to broadcast a live meeting. Teachers can work with students to find other ways to connect, for example, B. through recorded class meetings. At the same time, they do not know that you need help or are having problems if you do not take the initiative to share this information.