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Attending a Web Conference

Equipment

• Use a 720p Webcam for quality video
• Use a headset with microphone to eliminate background noise
• Visit Minimum Technical Requirements (currently being updated) for specific equipment requirements
• Test your equipment prior to starting the session to ensure everything is working properly
• Have your device plugged in to power; battery use can affect quality

Environment

• Eliminate other noises as best as possible 
• Have a light source in front of you versus behind so that you are not in shadow
• Eliminate any background objects that are not appropriate to be visible to participants
• Be centered in the view with the top of your head close to the top of the view
• Remember, what you do can be seen by others, be conscious of your behaviors

Etiquette

• Be on time 
• Mute yourself when joining the meeting and when not speaking 
• Stay focused, minimize multi-tasking 
• Don’t interrupt a presenter; use the chat, wait for a quiet moment, or use the “raise hand” feature if available 
• Turn off your webcam video if not needed

Effective Practices

• Accept or decline the meeting invite promptly 
• Review related documents that were sent by the host prior to the meeting

Hosting a Web Conference

Equipment

• Make sure your computer meets all minimum technical requirements associated with online classes
• 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 (smart phone/tablet) as a participant to see what they see
• Have a backup plan if there ends up being technical issues 
• Have a backup plan for participants with technical issues, give them joining options using their computer, smart phone and/or other device. 
• Have all documents and content open and prepared prior to the session 
• Direct questions to a specific individual
• Practice!