In many colleges and universities, students study remotely: lectures, practical classes, and graded assessments in the form of tests and exams have moved to Zoom and Skype. In theory, online learning is not inferior to traditional learning, and online conferences should be as effective as live meetings. Even if students have problems understanding the subject, there is an opportunity to turn to the write essay for me service for help.
However, in practice, everything is not so ideal: some of the group takes a long time to figure out how to install the program, some have relatives making noise in the background, and some allow themselves to show up in pajamas or under strange nicknames. How do you avoid awkward situations?
Find a platform that works for everyone
To begin with, you should decide on an online platform that would be equally convenient for everyone (assuming that the internal routine of the school does not provide for the use of any particular platform). Of course, you can use ubiquitous and conservative Skype. But there are many other online services with more advanced functionality. Here are a few examples.
- Zoom. In Zoom, you can record the conference in audio and video format, as well as take notes, which will be automatically transcribed and organized. Shared chat, screen sharing, and a virtual whiteboard are all available as well. The online service allows you to change the background behind you (handy if the room is a mess), as well as tweak the appearance (and this is for those who haven’t had time to put on the marbles). You can use Zoom on the web version, as well as on a smartphone (for iOS or Android).
- Discord. Service users can create their server with an individual structure (for example, with multiple channels), set access levels for certain participants, and design the interface. In the chat, you can listen to music, see the screen of interlocutors, add bots, and record video broadcasts. The application is available in mobile (iOS and Android) and web versions.
- Hangouts. You can use Hangouts for free in a browser as well as from a phone (iOS and Android), all you need is a Google account. In fact, this is the reason for the deep integration with Google services. For example, you can record a broadcast and then share the video on Google+ and YouTube. In addition, videoconference participants can work directly with files from Google Drive.
Prevent technical problems
Before you start using the application, study the interface and functionality beforehand – this will help you avoid awkward pauses and hiccups in the future. In addition, in the process, besides the basics, you can discover additional technical features. At the same time, test the work of the webcam, microphone, and audio output devices (depending on what you are using – headphones or speakers) so that you don’t have to do it during the call.
Make your account more formal and personable
It’s a good idea to clean up your profile. Set your avatar to a neutral photo that identifies you. No compromising or highly artistic (in your opinion only) selfies, which may somehow negatively affect your reputation.
As for the nickname, use your real first and last name. No matter how original or ironic your signature may be, chatting with a faculty member is not the best place to exercise your creativity. After all, that’s what Instagram and Twitter are for.
Clean up your act
Chemises and pajamas are definitely not what you should be wearing during online meetings. Wear something casual, but not homely. Choose solid and neutral colors so you don’t look like a bright spot on your interlocutors’ screens. An overly bright shade will attract attention. In some cases, it’s not bad. But not in a situation where the preparation for the lesson leaves much to be desired. Chances are greater that the teacher will call the one who will be in a red or yellow sweatshirt, rather than the one who chose gray or black. Nothing personal: purely a psychological factor.
Don’t forget about the need to wear something below the waist. During an online conference, anything can happen. For example, a bell at the door or a fart in the throat – in any case, you will have to get up to open the door or pour water accordingly.
Take care of the background
A conference with a camera on is a kind of invasion of your personal space. Treat this phenomenon as a visit from guests. Therefore, it is better to put at least minimal order on the eve of a video call: collect scattered clothes, remove dirty cups, etc.
If there is no time or energy at all, use virtual backgrounds. For example, in Zoom.
In the window of the video call behind you may appear northern lights, the coast with palm trees, or the Golden Gate (the default background). It looks a bit frivolous from the outside, of course. That’s why it’s better to load a more realistic background yourself.
Notify your roommates
No opportunity for privacy? You’ll have to ask your roommates to postpone their noisy business until after your online conversation and put your phone on silent mode.
Video communication
Make a habit of turning off your microphone at times when you’re not talking. Extraneous sounds (clicking on the keyboard, flipping through notebooks, vibrating the phone, etc.) will interfere with and distract (at worst, annoy) the other participants in the conference.
Be tactful and patient
You should not expect an instant response from your interlocutor. It is not uncommon for audio delays to occur due to poor Internet connection. Wait a few seconds until the connection is restored.
Online Training
Online conferences have the same requirements as a live meeting: don’t be late, don’t interrupt, speak in order, etc. During the conversation, maintain eye contact so that the person speaking does not get the impression that no one is listening on the other side of the screen. To do this, try to look into the webcam. Make sure your silhouette is somewhere in the middle of the picture. It is better to sit upright: a bowed or propped head is a gesture that a person is languishing with boredom.
