Video Chat Etiquette

Intro:

These are unprecedented times and we are all adapting to this together. Since we are all at home, your teachers will be using Google Meet or Zoom, which are video chat platforms used to meet with you and give instructions. Unless you can’t access technology at the meeting time, you are expected to login and “show up” for these meetings.

Because this is all new to us, We have compiled a list of dos and don’ts when video chatting. Please go through this list to learn what is appropriate and not appropriate when chatting.

You will be notified in advance as to how your teacher expects to meet with you.

To access these meetings on your phone, simply add the “Google Meet” app. Zoom also has an app for both ios and android

Show up on time

This is true for any meeting. Log-in 5-10 minutes before the scheduled meeting. This allows you time to check your camera, mic, and any other issues you might run into BEFORE the meeting begins.

If you will not be in attendance please notify in advance

Life happens, but it is only polite to communicate with your instructor if you will not be attending a meeting. Please respect everyone’s time.

Mute your Mic

Once the meeting begins and your teacher begins talking, mute your mic so others are not distracted by background noise you may have. When it is your turn to talk, simply unmute your mic to speak, then mute it again when you are finished. In zoom your teacher may already have done this for you.

Have a nice clean background

Before the meeting, set-up in a location that has a clear background free from any distractions. If you can go to a quiet room that has a blank wall, this would be best. Make sure there is nothing in the background/behind you that you don’t want others to see. The purpose of the meeting is to learn from the teacher, not be distracted by each other’s backgrounds.

Wear Clothes

This may seem silly, but we are all at home; however, this does not mean you can hop in front of your computer or phone without a shirt. Be presentable. Wear would you would to school on a regular day. Again, don’t be distracting to others with what you are wearing. Hats make it difficult to see your face..so please leave them off for our meetings.

How to Ask Questions

While the teacher is instructing, if you have a question, type the question in the chat box on the side. Your teacher will answer your question at the end or address it as he/she sees fit. DO NOT INTERRUPT YOUR TEACHER WITH A QUESTION WHILE THEY SPEAKING or PRESENTING!!! You can also wait until the end of the meeting and wait for others to get off the chat to ask your question one-on-one. In zoom, there is a feature to virtually put up your hand if you have a comment.

If your teacher has their camera on you should too...

It is polite to do what the presenter is doing. If your teacher’s camera is on, you should also have your camera on. If your teacher is simply talking while presenting it is ok to not have your camera on (unless your teacher tells you otherwise).

Follow this rule of etiquette, UNLESS your teacher tells you differently.

OR tell your teacher why, if you have a valid reason for not having your camera on

Use the Chat feature for class discussion only

Do not use the chat feature to share every little feeling/emotion during this time, or to talk to others while the teacher is presenting.

Use appropriate language

Even though a video chat is not a physical classroom it is a virtual classroom, so let’s honor that by using academic language. Do not use slang words or other inappropriate language during this time.

Be Focused

This is a classroom still, so do not play on your phone, play video games, etc. during this time. Give your full attention to your teacher. This time should not be used to multi-task. Also, refrain from flipping back and forth between tabs on your computer UNLESS your teacher has asked you to.

When speaking or playing...acknowledge the camera

If you are speaking or asking a question during the video chat, look at the camera. This is comparable to looking people in the eye when you speak to them. Do NOT try to speak if you can not be seen on screen.

**This does not apply to those who do not have a camera.

Lessons may be recorded

Be aware that your teacher may be recording these lessons to share with students who couldn’t attend or to use for future classes. Recording and sharing lessons also provides you a chance to review points you may have missed.