Web Conferencing Fundamentals
If you teach an online course that utilizes either a small or substantial amount of live web conferencing, the content below is for you! Review the content below, and make sure to contact CPD for additional training and support.
Check your Internet Speed
In order to effectively take part in any form of web conferencing, it is important for both the instructor and students to first ensure the internet connection they have is stable and can reach appropriate speeds. The link below will take you to an internet speed test. Once there, click "Run Speed Test". Ideally, you want to ensure your internet connection is at least 3 Mbps.
What to do if your speed is below 3 Mbps.
Disconnect or turn off other devices on your home network that utilize an internet connection (this includes other computers, smart phones, tablets, and any smart devices that may use an internet connection).
If possible, use a wired connection to your home router rather than connecting over wifi.
If you cannot use a wired connection, ensure you are as close as possible to your router.
Ensure you are running the latest version of your operating system, web browser, and web conferencing application.
Close any unnecessary applications on your computer.
Restart your device as well as your router.
Update your antivirus software and ensure it is monitoring your computer.
If you have done all of the above and are still getting a low speed using the speed test, contact your internet service provider to see what can be done to increase your home network speed.
How to Use Zoom For Instruction
Zoom is CVTC's preferred web conferencing platform for instruction. If you are brand new to Zoom, or are not familiar with how to use Zoom in combination with Canvas, the following guides will walk you through everything you need to know!
1. Enabling Zoom in Canvas
2. Scheduling a Meeting
3. Starting a Meeting
4. The Zoom Interface
5. Polling in Zoom
6. Zoom Breakout Rooms
7. Zoom Reports
8. Student Groups in Zoom
9. Student Office Hours
In addition to the videos above, CPD has created a written guide of the same content, which you can access below!
Access the sample Canvas announcement below, which you can easily use to introduce your learners to Zoom!
If you use Zoom for virtual student hours, the following sample announcement can be used to advertise them.
Instructional Web Conferencing
Once you understand the basics of how to use Zoom, the next step is preparing for conducting your web conferences with students. The following guides cover the fundamentals to make your instructional web conferencing a success.
- Understanding your Course Delivery
Before you can begin preparations for your online course, it is first important to consider what the expectations are for web conferencing. We also need to ensure our learners have a fully fleshed out course in Canvas to serve as the home base for course content and communication.
Key Takeaways:
Web conferencing allows you and your learners to see and hear each other through a live virtual environment.
Understand your course delivery type and the expectations of how often you will web conferencing with your learners.
Make sure you build out all the essentials components of your course in Canvas, regardless of the delivery type.
2. Preparing for Web Conferencing
In order to give your learners the best experience possible, you want to make sure that you have the proper equipment and environment to conduct the web conferencing portions of your course.
Key Takeaways:
Make sure your computer either has a built-in webcam or that you have a webcam that you can plug into it.
Consider using a headset microphone to both make it easier to hear your learners as well as improve your outgoing audio.
Try to conduct web conferences in a quiet environment in which background noise is limited.
Consider the lighting in your space. You should have light in front of you and avoid bright lights (windows) behind you.
3. Communicating with your Learners
For your online course to be successful, it is critical that you communicate early on with your learners on how the course will be conducted and what portions will require live web conferencing.
Key Takeaways:
Make sure your syllabus clearly states the expectations for web conferencing in your course.
Your course homepage should provide similar information with either a link or instructions on how to join the web conference.
Communicate with your learners early on (prior to week 1) with details on how the course will be conducted.
Provide your contact information so your learners can easily reach you with questions or concerns.
Check out our video on pre-course surveys here to help facilitate early communication!
4. Facilitating your Web Conference
In order to make your web conference sessions run as smoothly as possible, it is a good idea to establish some norms with your learners and conduct a few general best practices.
Key Takeaways:
Start your web conference sessions early and provide your learners an agenda at the beginning.
Remember that sharing your screen takes focus off of the webcams.
Everyone should keep webcams on to increase engagement.
Microphones should be muted except when someone wishes to speak.
Call on learners by name to keep discussion going.
Text-based chat can be a useful extra communication tool.
5. Supporting your learners
Web conferencing brings with it plenty of new challenges for both you and your learners. As you prepare for your class, keep these ideas in mind, and don't hesitate to take advantage of the support and resources available.
Key Takeaways:
Microphone muting and choosing the correct microphone are common audio issues that can come up.
Your webcam will not work if it is being used in a different application.
Utilize virtual student hours and conduct 1-to-1 reach out when learners begin to fall off the radar.
Submit early alerts to avoid students from dropping out completely.
Remember to utilize our eLearning Specialist and the rest of the CPD team for additional support.