Please read: Video Conferencing Tips 3/31 #1 of 2

Hello Everyone,

I am so glad to see many of you have already written your e-port on Documenting History. I hope you are also setting up a schedule for yourself using the six categories I gave you. I will be sending you emails to show you how I am doing each of the categories, too!

Our next task will be getting everyone set up in Microsoft Teams and connecting via videoconferencing.

Please read these tips about video conferencing and communicating as we begin working together online.

What makes a quality video during a video conference?

  • Find a space in your home where direct light will not be streaming IN to the camera, because then you will be washed out when we see you.
  • Figure out what will be behind you when you video conference with us. It is best to have a blank, less busy, or neutral background. Look at the videos I send later today as an example.
  • If you can put a light behind your computer, so light is shining on your face, that is a good idea. But, make sure it isn’t too bright. Natural light is the best, so facing toward an open window is great.
  • Your video screen needs to have your face and shoulders in the shot. Prop up your device so it can be at the right level for this.
  • Get dressed and make yourself presentable! Pajamas are cool, but maybe not in a video conference.
  • Look at the camera while you are speaking, NOT at the picture of you on the screen or the picture of the person. It is hard, but do your best!
  • Make sure you have your device set up so it doesn’t move. Put it on a table or make something it can prop up against so you don’t have to touch it.
  • Find a private space as best as possible, or at least let everyone in your house know you will be on a call.

What is proper etiquette during a video conference?

  • When you log in, start by making sure your audio is muted and video off.
  • Remember, the person who called the meeting is the leader in charge, like the person who is the chair of a class meeting.
  • Wait until the meeting leader says it is time to give your input. Until then, keep your microphone on MUTE.
  • When you would like to speak, raise your hand and be recognized by the leader to speak before you turn on your microphone.
  • Only one person speaks at a time.
  • Remember, we can see what you are doing. Don’t do anything that will distract from the meeting.
  • Remember, we all need to be respectful and courteous. Be kind, understand that this tool is new to many people, and be patient when the technology doesn’t work.
  • Go to the bathroom before a conference call. Don’t ask to go to the bathroom during the conference call. If you have an urgent situation, leave the call, and then you can rejoin later.
  • Please don’t take video or snap photos during the conference call of your screen, etc. We don’t take pictures of or record one another without permission.
  • Do not “chat” during the meeting using a sidebar. That isn’t any better than the sidebar conversations we have during class. Do your best to listen to the entire conversation.

Chatting with one another in EMAIL or on MS Teams:

  • When you send emails to one another or to Ms. D, think about how we are trying to support one another with kind words.
  • Think about the tone of what you are writing, and ask if it is respectful or the write kind of writing for the audience you are speaking to.
  • Avoid using a bunch of emojis. A quick smiley face is great! A whole sentence made out of 10 emojis is sometimes annoying, as it doesn’t really say anything to me. Use words.
  • Use a greeting and salutation, or ask how the person is doing before immediately asking the person for something in email.
  • Use pleases and thank yous. It helps with the tone of your mail and people will want to help you more.
  • Don’t attach documents and videos in mail. Use other ways, such as sharing documents in One Drive with one another, or using links to photos in a shared album like Ms. D will do.
  • Remember that we are still in school when we are learning in an electronic environment, even though you are physically at home.
  • Remember the Golden Rule we discussed in class.

Okay, if you have read and you understand this, then take a moment now to find a videoconferencing space that will work best for you. 

Thank you,

Ms. D