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You may have heard or used the terms webinar, video conference, synchronous online meeting, or virtual meeting. These terms are all synonymous with web conferencing, and hosting a web conference is the primary tool used to connect instructors with students for online synchronous classes.

Whichever term you use to describe how you connect in real-time with your instructors, students, and peers, always remember the EEEEs of Web Conferencing: Equipment, Environment, Etiquette, and Effective Practices. The EEEEs of Web Conferencing are universal across all software platforms and apply whether you are the host or an attendee.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ supports Webex Meetings for web conferencing.

For a curated a list of resources related to pedagogy, please visit our Online Synchronous Teaching and Learning Resources page.

The EEEEs of Web Conferencing

Equipment

• Make sure you have all necessary web conferencing equipment
• Use a headset with microphone to eliminate background noise
• Test your equipment prior to starting the session to ensure everything is working properly
• Use a hardwired internet connection and not a wireless connection
• Have your device plugged in to power; battery use can affect quality

Environment

• Eliminate other noises as best as possible (A/C, fans, dishwasher, washing machine, TV, radio)
• Have a light source in front of you versus behind so you are not in shadow
• Be centered in the view with the top of your head close to the top of the view
• Eliminate any background objects that are not appropriate to be visible to participants
• Dress in the same manner as you would in a face-to-face situation
• Avoid clothing with small repeating patterns (pinstripes, houndstooth, small checks, etc.)
• Wear clothing in strong contrast with background to stand out

Etiquette

• Look into the camera, not your screen, when speaking (this will take some practice)
• Mute all participants except for the person speaking
• Minimize distractions around you
• Allow time for participants to ask questions
• Limit side conversations
• Let participants know if the session is being recorded
• Have applications needed for the lesson open and ready to be cued up

Effective Practices

• Reserve synchronous class time for interactive/collaborative activities (pure lectures can be recorded and uploaded to Mediasite as "on-demand" videos)
• Interact with students every 3-5 minutes during lecture
• Close all other applications not relevant to the lesson prior the start of the meeting (emails)
• Send information agenda/content to participants ahead of time
• Be clear with participants on how to use the different functions they will need in the session, describe the steps
• Have the session open on another device (smartphone/tablet) as a participant to see what others see
• Have a backup plan if there are technical issues
• Have a backup plan for participants with technical issues, give them joining options using their computer, smartphone and/or other device
• Have all documents and content open and prepared prior to the session
• Direct questions to a specific individual
• Practice!