Getting the most from online lectures and seminars
Tips for online seminars and lectures
Online sessions are normally delivered through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Microsoft Teams, so it’s important to make sure that you’re comfortable with how file and screen-sharing, chats, and break-out rooms work on these platforms in advance if you can.
You may also be required to participate in interactive group activities where your tutor will pose questions using Poll Everywhere.
Netiquette
When you’re in a lecture, seminar or workshop you will be expected to take notes, participate, discuss and generally get involved with your learning – the same applies to online learning.
However, when you are sat at your computer, laptop, or even mobile device, even with your video enabled, you will not be able to convey facial expressions, tone, gestures or body language as you would in person.
It is therefore useful to follow certain rules when engaging in an interactive online learning session.
When you are listening to a lecturer or one of your course-mates you may be causing background noise that is both distracting to the person talking, and to those listening. So, make sure your mic is muted, even if you don’t think you’re making much noise.
When discussions happen in person you will most likely not have to raise your hand, but the “Raise your hand” feature is useful when in a video call as it avoids disrupting the flow of the session, especially with a big group. You will then be invited to speak when the presenter is ready.
It may take some getting used to, but try and ask questions as you would in face-to-face sessions, even if it’s in the chat. This way your tutor will know if you have not understood or need something clarifying.
Using the chat function is very useful within a group session, but, as this is an academic situation, consider the language you use and how what you’re saying can be perceived. Use full sentences and explain clearly what you mean, but don’t be afraid to use emojis, they can help you convey tone.
When using the chat function to ask or answer a question during a session try to be as descriptive as possible. In a fast-paced lecture or seminar, the topic can quickly change, and your comment may need some context to be understood by everyone.
It can be frustrating having to wait to have your say. However, treat everyone’s contributions with due attention and respect. If you want to make a point without interrupting or before the subject changes then you can post it in the chat and it should get picked up. Also be mindful that everyone will be working slightly differently, with access to different devices and internet speeds.
If you wish to raise a particular point with someone you can @ mention them and address them directly, however if you are in a large group do not have a separate conversation as everyone will be getting your notifications, which can be very distracting.
You will be expected to follow the same rules as if you were on campus, which can be found in the University’s code of conduct. When working online, you must be mindful of what you say and how you act. Think before you post a comment and always remember – if you would not say something to someone’s face you should also not say it online.
Benefits of turning on your webcam
If you feel comfortable and it will not affect your network quality, try keeping your camera on, even if it’s only in smaller sessions.
It’s usually better to see someone’s face when talking to them and using your camera may also encourage others to do the same. It may even help you to focus and avoid getting distracted by other things.