ITV Etiquette

Establishing Interactive Video (ITV) Etiquette

Download ITV Meeting Tips in PDF format

For Instructors:

Enunciate and speak in a relaxed, normal tone of voice.
Repeat questions from students to ensure everyone hears them.
Due to the brief time delay in transmitting audio, learn to finish thoughts in a single statement with an obvious conclusion.
Watch the body language of students to see if someone wants to ask a question or is having difficulty with the material.
Don't turn your back on the camera. If you're in a NETnet room and using the auto-tracking camera feature, the camera may 'lose' you.
If you're not using the NETnet auto-tracking feature, be sure you don't wander out of camera range and leave the remote students staring at blank space. Mark off the camera range by taping X's on the floor so you are aware of your boundaries. This also applies if you're in a non-NETnet room and don't have a camera operator.

Call on students by name and site, not only by site (a seating chart will help)

You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Seating Chart. Look for the link at the bottom of the page.

Provide students with name 'tents' in LARGE fonts. Set these up on each desk so everyone can see them.
Keep things consistent -- if you have snacks, sodas, or some other type of perk, be sure to provide it for all sites.

Make handouts easy to reference by color coding or numbering them.
When brainstorming or using small groups, give specific instructions such as: "come up with three alternatives," or "state two disadvantages" rather than saying, "discuss this topic" to set clear limits and keep the discussion on track.
Reinforce important points by saying, "I want you to remember this" or "This is an important point."

Convey these tips to your students:

Be Seen!
Depending on the camera angle, the instructor may not be able to see you well enough to know that you have a question or are confused, so when you have a question, identify yourself by name and site: "This is Debi In Tyler." Sit in view of the monitors.
Be Heard!
Face forward and speak clearly in a normal tone of voice (you don't have to shout) so you can be heard distinctly at all the sites. To account for the brief lag time in audio transmission, pause about 3 seconds after pressing the mike, then ask your question or make your comment. Wait a second to release the mike after you've finished speaking. If you're in a NETnet room, the mikes are push-and-hold to talk. If you're in another ITV room and the mikes are configured differently, be sure to mute the mike when you're not speaking.
Be Active!
ITV is not passive television viewing; it's an interactive course in which you are expected to participate.
Be Assertive!
If there is a problem with the video or audio, let the instructor know so Tech Support can be contacted to correct it. Don't hesitate to say something if the video or audio is not coming in loud and clear at your site. Also, if the graphics are too small to see well, let the instructor know immediately so it can be corrected.

Download a free copy of Acrobat Reader to view PDF files

Continue with ITV Graphics

The Northeast Texas Network Consortium Coordinating Office / 11937 Hwy 155 at Hwy 271 / Tyler, TX 75708
phone (903) 877-7510 / fax (903) 877-7430