• Log In

Best Practices for Teaching via Videoconferencing at Penn State

  • Intro
  • Before
    • Before the Videoconferencing Session
    • Copyright Concerns
    • Accessibility
    • Meet with Your Technical Support Staff
    • Know Your Equipment and Systems
    • Encouraging Communication and Interaction
    • Plan Your Interactive Activities
    • Distributing Materials Prior to the Live Session
    • Backup Plan
    • Just Prior to the Session
  • During
    • During the Session
    • Presentation Tips
    • Pacing
    • Incorporating Questioning Strategies
    • Other Factors to Consider When Using Room-Based Systems
  • After
    • After the Session
  • Materials
    • Case Study
    • Videoconferencing Quick Tech Checklist
    • Videoconferencing Best Practices Checklist
    • Videoconferencing Survey
    • Moderator Checklist
    • Participant Etiquette Guide Example
    • Use of Tools for Questioning
    • Participant Engagement Questioning Types and Strategies
    • Additional Online Resources
  • About

Backup Plan

Here are some questions to ask yourself when creating your backup plan in case the equipment fails or malfunctions:

  • Is the problem with the system or with something specific to the room? Is there another room I can use?
  • Can I use another videoconferencing system?
  • Can I use the telephone?
  • Can I use an online chat room?
  • How can I ensure participants have access to the needed materials in place of the session?

As part of your backup plan, consider campus closings due to weather or other reasons. If the broadcast site goes down or is unavailable, then you need to think about the above questions. However, if only one of the receiving sites is down the class can still occur as scheduled. In this case, you should consider recording the session and emailing the recording link to the participants who could not attend the live session due to their site’s closing.

Next Page: Just Prior to the SessionPrevious Page: Distributing Materials Prior to the Live Session

Share your thoughts on this guide!