using digital tools for online meetings: tips and good practice

MEETINGSSue Beckingham | @suebecks | Sheffield Hallam

University

Lee Coddington and Chloe Benning | E-learning

Affordances• Meet remotely from different locations• Save on travel costs• Hold 'out of hours' meetings• Blend face to face with online peers

Used in the workplace• Business meetings• Online interviews• Digital CV (Resume)

By familiarising yourself now you will feel more confident when invited to an online interview or to join an online meeting in the workplace.

Online tools for virtual meetingsfree and paid options

ExamplesFree• Skype• Facetime• Google+ hangouts

Free at SHU• Blackboard

Collaborate

Corporate• Adobe Connect• Go To Meeting• Join Me• Any Meeting• Webex

Online meetings enableVoIP - voice over internet protocol

real time audio communication through a computer/tablet/smartphone via use of

headphones and speakers

Online meetings can offer• Slideshow presentations • Live or streaming video • Sharing of your desktop• Interactive whiteboards 

Online meetings can offer• Text chat • Polls and surveys• One to one or group conversations• A recording of the meeting• Interview practice

An example of an online student team meeting using Skype

Using Google Docs and sharing the desktop

Organising a Google Hangout Meeting

Set up a meeting in the calendar

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts

Add chat and share desktop options

Google Apps

and more!

Doodle: easy way to schedule meetings with peers

http://doodle.com/

Record online meetings

http://www.screencast-o-matic.com

Tips for preparing for an online meeting

• Think about your real-life surroundings [how tidy is your room?]

• Choose a quiet location• Get to know the platform you will use before the meeting• Pre-agree the agenda (the purpose and points you wish

to cover during the meeting) and have this to hand

Tips for meetings• Assign a Leader or Chair of the meeting • Pay attention to the process of the meeting

– make a note of who takes part– agree a minute (note) taker

• Keep an eye on the time allocated for the meeting - avoid distractions

Tips for meetings• Summarise as you go along • Be concise• Speak clearly• Listen to others

Good practice• Encourage participation from all present• Ask questions• Maintain eye contact by looking at the

webcam • Don't move around

Etiquette• Be on time• Don't just 'listen in' - contribute• Don't speak out of turn or interrupt• Keep focussed and pay attention• Don't have side conversations• Dress appropriately!

Some Tips

A short video clip Tips on how not to conduct yourself online

10 common mistakes