Basic
Interactive Videoconferencing Skills
- Learn how to
operate the videoconferencing system. If you'll be teaching in a
NETnet room, download your own
User's Guide in PDF format for tips on NETnet Room Operation.
You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to
view the User Guide. Look for the link at the bottom
of the page.
- Maintain eye contact with the remote
class, while not forgetting about the people in the room with you. When
you look into the camera it helps the remote students feel like they aren't
just watching a class, but participating in one. If it
helps, you can put a picture of a face up near the camera. Sometimes this
makes it easier to think of the camera as another student in your class.
Remind students to state their name and site
(e.g. "This is Gretchen in Tyler") and to make sure they're on
camera when they're speaking so you know who you're addressing. If you're
in a NETnet Room, this is made easier by selecting the Auto Student
Cam Position on the Lectern Workstation Control Panel. When this
button is selected, the camera automatically tracks to the student when
the microphone is pressed.
- Show an interest in all participants.
Many people feel uncomfortable speaking into a TV monitor, and it's easy
for them to become passive observers instead of active participants. Solicit
contributions from individuals rather than by site name
only. Do say, "Judy in Tyler, what is your opinion?" Don't
Say: "Anyone in Tyler have an opinion on that?" It may be
necessary to repeat each question and comment to ensure all sites can hear
what's being said. Seating
charts (in PDF format) will help you get to know each individual.
- Your facial expression should convey
your enthusiasm and reinforce the personal exchange between you and the
remote students. Smile, change your expressions, use NETnet's auto tracking
software and walk around -- be more than a "talking head."
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Appearance
- Dress appropriately. Wearing certain
kinds of clothing and jewelry will cause the camera's focus to oscillate
and destroy picture clarity. Black clothing tends to lighten skin
tones, while light colored clothing washes out the wearer -- muted colors
look best. The following list contains some basic dress guidelines:
| Do
Wear:
solid colors
dark or neutral colors
simple jewelry
simple accessories
clothes that look good on you! |
Don't Wear:
bold, busy patterns or stripes
horizontal stripes
white or bright yellow clothing
herringbones, checks or small plaids
reflective clothing - sequined, metallic, velvet
bold or bright colors
glossy or bright make-up
red lipstick (or you'll look like Clutch
Cargo!)
|
- Concerned about possible shine on your
face or bald spot? Dust a little powder on before class, or avoid standing
under direct light.
- Manicure nails or use
hand lotion before using the document camera.
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Movement
- In the NETnet Rooms,
you can move and gesture normally. Very
rapid movements can't be transmitted without some loss of picture quality,
so avoid fidgeting, pacing, rocking, or swaying. If you're not using the
NETnet auto tracking software, it's a good idea to mark off the camera range
on the floor using tape so you'll know your parameters. Try not to turn
your back while the camera is on you -- it can be perceived as rude and
the tracking software might lose you.
- Maintain appropriate on-camera positioning.
If possible, change your position periodically to alter how you look on
camera. When necessary, use close-ups to see facial expressions -- but don't
get too close! Again-- if necessary, tape off the camera range on the floor
so you'll know your boundaries.
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Voice
- Speak clearly. Use a strong--not loud--voice.
Enunciate your words and use inflection to vary your tone. Communicate naturally
using short words and simple sentences. There is a brief time delay in audio
transmission, so avoid interrupting another speaker. Let students finish
their thoughts once they've begun speaking.
- Use humor when possible, remembering
the diversity of your audience. Not all people find humor in the same things.
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Viewing Media
- Allow time for viewing graphics. Text
material should be displayed long enough to be read by a slow reader. Non-text
material requires less time; three or four seconds is usually long enough.
Don't try to put a complicated graphic like an Excel spreadsheet on the
screen -- use handouts instead.
- If you show a videotape, keep it brief.
The transmission quality of videotape generally is poor. If you want to
show a lengthy video segment, send a videotape to the remote site facilitator.
- Vary your presentation materials. Remembering
the Rule of 20, work to find the right
balance of lecture and other media to keep it interesting.
- Be sure you check copyright
law for distance learning before using the work of others. Check
out The
TEACH Act, too.
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Tips for Handling Stage Fright
- Practice on the equipment
until you feel comfortable switching between media sources and camera operation.
NETnet members can request free, on-site, hands-on NETnet Room Operation
training via email.
- Review
taped presentations prior to class to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Be prepared! Rehearse
or read over the material before class.
- Take a deep breath, get a
drink of water, laugh, or yawn to relieve tension.
- Prepare your voice. Relax
your throat with a glass of hot water with lemon. Stay away from
soft drinks, chocolates and dairy products prior to class, as these will
coat your throat and cause difficulty in speaking and swallowing.
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Be
sure to check out Establishing ITV Etiquette for
more helpful tips!
 |
Test your recall of
ITV skills! Click on the compass to take an interactive self-assessment
made with FREE WebQuestions2 software. Close the answer window and the
quiz window to return to this page. Download the free WebQuestions2
software here. |
Explore Further
Developing
Video-Based Materials
Videoconferencing
Guide (PDF format)
|
Download
a free copy of Acrobat Reader to view PDF files |
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The Northeast Texas Network Consortium
Coordinating Office / 11937 Hwy 155 at Hwy 271 / Tyler, TX 75708
phone (903) 877-7510 / fax (903) 877-7430
