ONLINE SEMINAR CODE OF CONDUCT

CONDUCTING ONLINE SEMINARS

The ongoing pandemic means that many of our seminars are online. We are all – lecturers and students – learning how to make these go as well as possible. After reflecting on how things went last semester, we have drawn up the following code of conduct. This is a work in progress, so feel free to feedback to the Department about it using this form. Responses are anonymous.

General Rules

[1] Everyone participates in the seminar

This is a general rule for seminars, not just those that are online. Learning philosophy does not just involve absorbing information about ideas and arguments, but learning to think critically about them for yourself. An important way of doing this is through discussing material with each other, which is the purpose of a seminar. Seminar discussions require practice: the more you do it, the easier it becomes. You will feel less self-conscious, more confident to try out different ideas, and get better at helping other people to discuss their thoughts too. Seminars involve collective action: a discussion can only happen if everyone does the necessary preparation, and then participates.

[2] People turn on their cameras whilst at the seminar

To have a good discussion, people need to feel comfortable speaking. Verbal communication is about more than what we convey with our words; the majority of us also read each other’s facial expressions and body language. When everyone turns their cameras on, everyone has a better sense of who is in the virtual room. People can see each other’s reactions and it makes it easier to participate.

[3] People turn off their mics when not speaking

If everyone has their mics turned on it creates feedback, so people should just turn their mics on when speaking.

Please consider, if you log onto the online seminar but do not participate, and do not turn on your camera, you are effectively treating the session as a radio broadcast or television show. As well as missing out on the opportunity to develop your own skills at doing philosophy, this is unfair to your fellow students in a number of ways. The seminar only happens if everyone participates. By not joining in, you are reaping the benefits of hearing other people’s ideas without giving back to the group in return.

Students should aim to follow these rules:

Everyone participates in the seminar.
People turn on their cameras whilst at the seminar, unless they have good reason not to (see below).
People turn off their mics when not speaking.

Lecturers should aim to follow these rules:

Lecturers should tell everyone at the beginning what is expected about turning on cameras and turning off mics, etc.
Lecturers will inform students of the seminar format in advance, in particular, making it clear how students will be called on to participate (e.g., by going round each student in turn to ask them for their thoughts, or asking people to work in small groups with a group spokesperson reporting back, etc.).
Lecturers will be mindful that some students find online seminars very uncomfortable and be sensitive when calling on people to speak.

Additional Guidance

We know that people face various obstacles to participation. The Department knows that some people have serious reasons for not wanting to turn their cameras on during online seminars. If this is the case for you, then we understand. However, for some issues there are ways around this. Here are some suggestions for common difficulties.

Issues with seeing oneself on screen

There is evidence emerging that seeing oneself on screen during video calls can have a detrimental impact on people with eating disorders. There may be people in other situations who are similarly affected. It should be possible to hide your video feed from yourself so that you don’t have to look at yourself in the online session.

Internet connection/tech problems

Some people’s equipment and/or internet connections made it difficult for them to have their cameras switched on constantly. If so, then camera and mic may be turned off when listening to others, but should then be switched on when speaking.

Privacy

Taking part in online classes from home means that lecturers and other students will see the inside of your home, which you may want to keep private. One way round this is to use an electronic background – these are available in Google Meet. However, they may take up extra ‘bandwidth’ and thus not be suitable for people who are struggling with internet connections. It is sometimes possible to find a little corner where there is a blank wall behind you, which minimizes how much of your home others can see.

Lack of a quiet space

You may also lack a quiet space to work in your home, which makes participating in online seminars difficult. If it’s too noisy to turn on your mic at all, then you could contribute in the written chat.

Komarine Romdenh-Romluc is currently doing some research around online seminars so if you would like to take part, please email her for more information: k.romdenh-romluc@sheffield.ac.uk.

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