At Northwood Technical College, we use Microsoft Teams for most of our web conferencing. Online courses and support staff will utilize Microsoft Teams in most instances.
Join the session early. Give yourself time to learn what you can and can't do in the session. Add a profile picture and set up your audio and video. If you are presenting, make sure you can share content. Practice using the tools.
Be on time. If you can't be early, be on time. Let the moderator know if you are going to be late or absent. Everyone can set notifications to alert them when someone has joined the session and may see who is joining when.
Introduce yourself. Don't assume everyone automatically recognizes your voice. State your name the first few times you speak. Let moderators know who is participating. Give everyone a chance to know you.
Make eye contact. If you are sharing video, look at the camera and not the session. It may feel weird but it shows you are engaged in the session. If you need to multi-task during the session, shut your video off to avoid looking distracted.
Mute yourself when not speaking. Nothing is more distracting than background noise. For example, typing or a private conversation. It can also give the impression that you aren't paying attention.
Be professional. You may be joining the session from somewhere private but you are not alone. You are face-to-face with your peers, instructors, and guest experts. Make a good impression. Participate. Don't talk over someone. Raise your hand if there is no opening to speak. Type questions and feedback in the chat. Pick your best profile picture. Watch your mannerisms and facial expressions.
Take an active part. Use the feedback feature and chat to show your engagement.
Keep your focus. Close all programs on your computer except for the browser you are using for your Collaborate session.
Use a hard-wired (Ethernet) connection, if available. If not available, use a Wifi connection.
Stay up to date. Only use up-to-date Internet browsers that are supported by Blackboard Collaborate.
Limit video use. Use video during the session only when necessary.
