VirtualClassSessions

=Tips for Virtual Class Sessions=

Web conferencing systems like Wimba Classroom, Blackboard Collaborate, or Adobe Connect are powerful tools for live, synchronous communication online. However, delivering a virtual lecture or facilitating a live online discussion can feel like learning to drive a stick-shift car. Managing content, students, and software simultaneously can be overwhelming.

Below is a list of tips and recommended best practices for leading successful virtual class sessions. Please feel free to add your tip(s) to the list!

Preparing
Students
 * 1) **Give students the date as early as possible**
 * 2) **Make the link easy to find in your course**
 * 3) **Provide a time for students to test their system ahead of time**

PowerPoint Slides
 * 1) **Use a large, bold, simple font**
 * 2) **Have no more than 4 to 6 bullets per slide**
 * 3) **Use plain backgrounds that contrast well with the text**
 * 4) **Do not use animations**
 * 5) **Use slides to guide discussion (even if you do not present information)**

Your Computer
 * 1) **Run the set up wizard**
 * 2) **Test your presentation ahead of time**
 * 3) **Turn off anything with notifications, like Email, Skype, or Instant Messaging**

Your Environment
 * 1) **Dim or turn off any lighting behind you**
 * 2) **Use overhead lighting or lighting behind the web cam**
 * 3) **Remove distracting décor from behind you**
 * 4) **Post “Do Not Disturb” notices**
 * 5) **Turn off phone ringer**

Yourself > Wear Darker or muted colors (no whites, pastels, or bright colors). Wear solid colors or simple patterns
 * 1) **Dress like a news anchor**
 * 1) **Consider writing a script for your presentation**
 * 2) **Practice your presentation in the web conferencing tool, including all features**

Delivering the Session
Beginning
 * 1) **Join the session early (20-30 minutes)**
 * 2) **Post a welcome page**
 * 3) **Greet students as they enter**
 * 4) **Encourage students to test their microphone before the session begins**
 * 5) **Use the timer, if one is available, to count down to the start of your session**
 * 6) **Set a reminder to begin the session archive**

Middle
 * 1) **Speak slowly and clearly**
 * 2) **Look into the camera, not at your slides**
 * 3) **Avoid quick movement**
 * 4) **Smile :-)**
 * 5) **Repeat text chat questions and comments for the archive**
 * 6) **Ask students to raise their hand to speak**
 * 7) **Have students introduce themselves when they begin speaking**
 * 8) **Turn off your microphone when a student is talking to avoid feedback**
 * 9) **Use a second monitor for application sharing so that you can still monitor the text chat**
 * 10) **Take time to stop and ask questions**
 * 11) **Use features like polls or breakout rooms to encourage students to actively participate**
 * 12) **Start simple and add more features as you become more comfortable**
 * 13) **Don't let distractions fluster you**

End
 * 1) **Leave time for questions**
 * 2) **Have a solid exit line so that students know they can close the session**
 * 3) **Plan to stay 15 minutes after the end for individual questions**
 * 4) **Provide a summary at the end of the session**

Contributors
If you've shared a tip above, please add your name, institution, and email address to the list below so that we can publicly acknowledge your contribution. Thank you for sharing your tips!
 * Stephanie Richter, Northern Illinois University, srichter@niu.edu