Virtual Meeting Info - how to navigate the online platform for meetings

Meetings – 2020: Engagement in the Virtual Environment

Communication has often been a challenge for community leaders, however, in this current #StayApart situation, this most important task has taken on an entirely new look. How do we stay connected? How can we continue engaging others to take action on collaborative goals? How can we let others know what actions have been taken and what is left to be done?

Welcome to the new world of virtual communication opportunities.

Here are a few ideas for ways to stay connected with your team …. and options for relevant online resources for connecting.

Online meeting platforms:

WebEx - https://www.webex.com/ and here are some extra resources https://www.webex.com/covid19.html

How to use WebEx – YouTube channel

• WebEx has several levels of pricing including a FREE version (Use the code wecare2020 when signing up) where you can host up to 100 participants, meet for as long as you want, have call-in for audio, have unlimited meetings, desktop, application, file and whiteboard sharing options. Video conferencing, collaboration features, mobile features, and security features. There are additional feature levels and pricing details here.

Zoom - https://zoom.us/   and here are a few extra resources https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/privacy-and-security.html

How to use Zoom – YouTube channel.

• Zoom has several levels of pricing including a FREE version (Basic) where you can host up to 100 participants, unlimited 1 on 1 meetings, 40 minute limit on group meetings, unlimited number of meetings, video conferencing, web conferencing, and group collaboration features. There are also other options if you need additional features. Here are more pricing details.

Free Conference Call  - https://www.freeconferencecall.com/

• Free Conference Call also provides several options for audio conferencing, video conferencing, screen sharing, and more.

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/facebook-live

• This is the one I am least familiar with, however it is probably one of the most accessible platforms for public broadcasting.

So … .you are connected online, Now What? How do you choose?

My suggestion would be to try them and see which one fits best. Or to use different platforms for different settings.

• 1.   
•   Both Zoom and WebEx have mobile applications. Download the app from your appropriate Android and iOS stores.
• 2.     
• Set up: Test your audio and video equipment and adjust settings to your liking (before the meeting time …. maybe with another colleague or friend). WebEx tutorial here. Zoom tutorial here.
• 3.     
• Learn how to mute your microphone (and al know how to mute others when you are the meeting host) and how to unmute yourself when you need to speak (and the others).
• 4.     
• You can also show your video or upload a headshot to use instead. See how to change from one to the other here.
• 5.     
• Recording your meetings for others to access afterward:
• a.    Zoom – tutorial here
• b.    WebEx – tutorial here
• 6.     
• Here are a couple of other tips from my experience:
• a.    In WebEx …. You can set up the audio to call you and it often works best to connect audio that way. It reduces background noise and that can be very helpful.
• b.    In Zoom … you can use virtual backgrounds. Here is a link on how to set that up.

I hope this helps in some small way during these times …. And hey, even if you don’t use these tools for work ….. it is a great way to catch up with your cousin who lives in Ten Sleep, WY……

See you soon,

Jody Sliger