Matthew’s Guide to VC Ediquette

Here are a few tips on making VC meetings and classes more productive. At the end, I also throw in a few Zoom tips.

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• Share your space and time mindfully
  • Prepare for VC: clear time and space for the class (deal with distractions, etc.)
  • Be generous with your attention and focus (avoid multitasking and side conversations)
  • Raise a hand if you want the floor (literally or with the “raise hand” function)
  • Use the chat!
• Audio and mic
  • Mute your mic when not speaking (helps cut down on feedback)
  • Consider a headset or earbuds with a mic, if you have one
  • Speak clearly into your mic (but use your inside voice)
  • Take turns speaking
  • If you phone in, identify yourself before you speak. (We can’t see you!)
  • Be courteous
• You’re on camera!
  • Try to avoid a window or light source in the background
  • Wear medium to dark solid colors (white is rough!)
  • Look at the camera when speaking 
  • Keep movements natural but minimal
  • Think about what you may be broadcasting!

Challenges

• Tech: do you have the right technology for the coursework?
• Internet/data: Do you have reliable internet or enough data on your plan?
• Skills: Do you know how to use the tools (VC, but also, Google Docs, other stuff)
• Space/time: Are you managing the time and space needed for VC class and coursework?

Resources

EARS COVID-19 Online Transition Resources (http://ears.acclahc.org)

Zoom tips and tricks

• Look at the invitation for ways to join.
  • You can call in!
• Control strip (bottom)
  • Mic
  • Camera
  • Participants
  • Chat 
  • Reactions
• Side panel
  • Participants and chat appears here
    • You can open or close the panels, depending on what you want to see