Let’s Go Virtual! Online Meeting/Conference Models Janet Fisher Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Sandy Rizzo Red Mountain Branch, Mesa Public Library Arizona State Library Association Conference November 16, 2010
May 12, 2015
Let’s Go Virtual! Online Meeting/Conference Models
Janet Fisher Arizona State Library, Archives and
Public Records
Sandy Rizzo Red Mountain Branch, Mesa Public
Library
Arizona State Library Association Conference November 16, 2010
Look around
You may be your library’s representative at this program, or
perhaps even at this conference.
We’d like to help you: Stabilize/increase attendance at staff training or
meetings. Share information/ideas with colleagues no
matter where they are. Include all meeting members, whether they can
attend face-to-face or not.
What makes us qualified?
During the last 3 or more years we have: planned, organized and participated in
virtual statewide group meetings several times each year
participated in meetings or taken training presented by others using wide variety of virtual connection options
provided virtual training classes and planned, implemented and participated in a completely-virtual regional conference last summer
Necessary basics
Computer Software – proprietary or open-source Connectivity - internet access; telephone
connection Telephone and/or VOIP
If use telephone, you may want a speakerphone VOIP is voice over IP – sounds through
computer headphones/microphone to listen and communicate
verbally People and content
Selecting software
Comparative information to gather: Cost Functionality Technical aspects Rooms and seats (What’s a room? How big is it?) How often will you use it? Your own preferences Cool features to look for – polling; chat formats Enhancements Ability to archive – video, audio, and chat
Look for reviews of software
WebJunction.orgWeb Conferencing Tool Optionshttp://www.webjunction.org/create-deliver-training/-/articles/content/74347964
TechSoup.orgWeb Conferencing Tools: Right for You? How to
pick a package that meets your nonprofit's needs
By: Brian Satterfield February 12, 2010http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5975.cfm
Reviews (cont’d)
WebJunction.orgWeb Conferencing Tool Optionshttp://www.webjunction.org/create-deliver-training/-/articles/content/74347964
Reviews (cont’d)
TechSoup.org - Web Conferencing Tools: Right for You? How to pick a package that meets your nonprofit's needs By: Brian Satterfield February 12, 2010
http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page5975.cfm
Suggestions for choosing a product
Get free trial – test product as currently available Test all aspects – those you’ll use and those nice to
have In addition to reviews, speak with associates who
have experience with products under consideration or with other virtual program software
Compare several before deciding Cost – justify whether will use enough to
purchase (could realize cost savings over travel costs)
Getting comfortable
Beauty of using virtual method – can plan and participate from anywhere
Start small, then expand uses Hold regular meetings of small, core group
Get comfortable with software and what it can do
Build experience within group; contact “experts” if necessary
Test use of elements that are more than basics Always test software a few times prior to the
meeting
Preparing for your virtual event Plan details for all anticipated aspects of
event Prepare backup plans in case something fails Put together images that attendees will see
on their computer before and during the event PowerPoint very helpful
Work with speakers to ensure that they are comfortable and that their materials “translate” properly into software
What can you do to help attendees?
Provide connection instructions in advance Provide practice time(s).
Guide/documentation helpful Schedule several speakers – change of voices Limit session length (45 min to 1 hr
presentations; meetings can be longer) Send/post meeting materials in advance
Agenda PowerPoints Related handouts
What can you do (continued)
On day of meeting, have host log in before meeting starts (15 minutes?)
Host welcomes attendees as they log into meeting room and answers connection/functional questions
Have person act as technical support to be available by phone/email/chat during meeting
Verify that attendees can see pages you’re seeing and can hear clearly
Use that chat box!
Online presence
Event “nerve center” – schedule, link to software “room,” technical support, materials, contact information, Web 2.0 add-ons…
Obstacles and Reactions
Listening for long stretch is difficult To alleviate feelings of isolation, set up on-site
space where group can participate, if appropriate Eye-strain
Look away from computer periodically Overcome technical discomfort
Become familiar with software through practice Note: Virtual meetings/conferences don’t suit
everyone all of the time. On-site or face-to-face gatherings still have a place
IT issues that may crop up
Plug-in/version issues (alternative?) Sound issues (level, clarity, extraneous
noise) Material loading issues (bandwidth) Delays and IT coordination problems in the
field Formatting issues Pushing pages – how it’s done, skill in doing Capabilities beyond viewing Powerpoint
E-room Etiquette
Don’t add off-the-cuff comments No visual cues from audience, so try to listen/read
closely. Ask periodically how all are faring As you get comfortable, use emoticons (smiley face,
frown…) to allow quick, easy communication, verification
Integrate “texting” shorthand, if all are comfortable Be aware of spelling/typing errors Consent: “IMPORTANT NOTICE: This WebEx service includes a
feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, do not join the session.”
Psycho-Social Elements of Virtual Connections
Negatives/Challenges: Speaker-to-audience distance – can’t always
perceive reactions, needs Attendees may not feel “connected” – may multi-
task or leave computer more frequently. Can open unequal participation experiences,
especially if some live and some remote, or due to technical issues
Quality of speakers – skill, vocal abilities, ability in virtual environment with Q&A important
Stream of conversation can become disjointed Chatting – sometimes difficult being concise with
complex thoughts/comments
Psycho-Social Elements of Virtual Connections (more)
Positives/Benefits: Chat (to whole group or privately) allows more
people to share ideas, provides social connection Chat permits those struggling to seek and obtain
help If geographically distant from group, hearing
voices and using chat provides link reinforces group connection
More are able to participate than without virtual option
Can multi-task (research for program, email, etc.) Archive/chat retention allows way to cover gap in
learning/understanding
What has worked well for us
Identify Minute-Takers and/or Chat Monitors Assign person responsible for loading presentations Utilize online event registration system
Open? Closed? Password Paid event?
Put technical documentation together in advance Have Planning Committee meet frequently using
intended virtual software Use other tools to ease work – bit.ly, Doodle, time
zone converters, Zoomerang, wiki to prepare/schedule/ evaluate
Why do it? Six-State Evaluations
“Virtual conference sounded bit dull, was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed programs and interaction provided by chat room and mics….. We also drew in our non-docs specialists for a few of the programs, which could never happen at a tangible conference.”
“Don't have a chance to go to FDLP conferences and meetings, so was great to be able to attend and have another person on staff attend.”
“Was very helpful to have schedule in advance, complete with program titles and times adjusted for time zone….. I must say, I was not disappointed with programming. At some conferences you hike all over town to get to someplace you've never been, only to find out that program title really doesn't match the content!! You did an excellent job of describing programs. ”
“Great conference, wonderful experience. Learned a lot and will apply what have been learned in the current job.”
Try it!
Small meeting/discussion Larger meeting 1-hr, ½ day, full day training Few limits – check your software details Participate in webinars offered in library world
to learn what you like, become comfortable in virtual environment
Try things with your library customers (as you move toward integrating new technologies)
Baby steps – participate, then offer your own
View archives
Six-State Virtual Government Information Conference, August 11-13, 16-17, 2010 Website:
http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/conference/6state/index.htm
Wiki: http://virtualsixstate.pbworks.com/w/page/24738327/FrontPage
OPAL: http://www.opal-online.org/archive6stateconf.htm
WebJunction: http://www.webjunction.org/gi21-conferences-and-training
Gi21 (Government Information in 21st Century) WebJunction:
http://www.webjunction.org/gi21
Contacts
Janet FisherLaw and Research LibraryArizona State Library, Archives and Public [email protected]
Sandy RizzoRed Mountain BranchMesa Public [email protected]