Best Practices
Videoconference Tips for Success
- Create and share the outline for your video conference session to communicate class objectives and to keep sessions on track.
- Do a test run of your presentation prior to the first day.
- Differences in formatting and fonts created on the Mac version of Office may not appear the same on our Windows version.
- Make text visible, at least 24 point font.
- Sans Serif fonts (e.g. Ariel, Verdana) are advisable.
- Share content using Blackboard or via e-mail.
- Avoid becoming a “talking head”.
- Be conscious that your body movement, hand gestures, expressions, voice modulations, clothing, and jewelry may be perceived differently on distant sites, on a monitor.
- Remember to speak to and include the video conference sites when addressing the students.
- Be aware of camera angles and position.
- Use the mouse when pointing to items on the computer screen, do not point with your finger as students on distant sites may not be able to view it.
- There may be delay in audio or video.
- Note that cameras, lighting, screen resolution, screen size, screen dimensions, and monitor color settings affect the visual element of your communication.
- Likewise, microphone placement, volume, sensitivity, speakers, bit rate, and Internet traffic affect the audio elements.
- Visit/teach from each of the sites at least once per term.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Tom Tripp
Creating Student Interaction
Videoconferencing Meeting Etiquette
Produced by Carson College of Business