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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

Videoconferencing Quick Tech Checklist

Before the Session

  • Meet with your technical support staff.
    • You should have the highest level of access to the videoconferencing area/room. If not, you must request higher access from that person.
  • Know your equipment and systems.
  • Do a dry run at least 24 hours before the live session.
  • Ensure remote participants can access and utilize the equipment.
  • Develop and send your videoconferencing participant guidelines to the participants.
  • Have a backup plan in case the technology fails.
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes before the session to test the equipment.

Just Prior to the Session

  • Make sure the camera is set to view you. Set presets if available.
  • Note microphone locations.
  • Reduce environmental noise.
  • Close all unnecessary computer programs.
  • Have the camera pan around the room (if possible).

During the Session

  • Account for audio delays between sites.
  • Stay within the camera’s view.
  • Ensure on-screen presentations:
    • Use large text.
    • Use colors in the middle of the color spectrum.
    • Use solid color backgrounds.
    • Use a high contrast between the front and background colors.
Next Page: Videoconferencing Best Practices ChecklistPrevious Page: Case Study

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