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As remote and hybrid learning models become more common and necessary, the popularity of dedicated video conferencing monitors is also increasing. However, many educators, as well as students and their parents, are still unaware of some of the potential benefits of investing in a monitor with the core video conferencing features built in.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of video conferencing monitors for education purposes. You may also like to explore ViewSonic’s devices and solutions for a more collaborative virtual classroom.
One of the biggest education trends of recent times has been the rise of remote and hybrid learning models. This has also caused more students and academic institutions to invest in monitors that specialize in video conferencing, usually improve the quality of remote communication and making virtual collaboration easier.
Generally speaking, a video conferencing monitor is a display that includes a built-in webcam, a built-in microphone, and speakers. These monitors also tend to have high refresh rates and appropriate screen sizes for video calls. Nevertheless, not everyone is clear on the precise advantages of using a video conferencing monitor.
Here, we take a closer look at these benefits, with a particular focus on usage within education settings.
In education institutions, one of the top priorities with technology will be ease of use. This is especially true with technology that is being used to facilitate remote learning because it may need to be used without supervision. However, even in classrooms, easy-to-use equipment can minimize unnecessary disruption.
As an article for Chron.com explains, monitors with integrated webcams offer the significant advantage of having the webcam pre-installed and ready to go, whereas external webcams require extra steps to set up properly. It also reduces the risks of poor synchronization between devices. This also applies to monitors that come with speakers and a microphone too.
Given the importance of these components for video conferencing purposes, anything that makes the initial setup process easier can be beneficial. On top of this, the positioning of the webcam and microphone will be based on what works best for video conferencing purposes, so you can avoid some potential technical issues too.
Classrooms only have a certain amount of space to work with, while students learning from home may also be operating from their bedroom or another area with limited room available. Fortunately, a major advantage of using video conferencing monitors is the ability to reduce the amount of space being taken up by the equipment.
When using a monitor, along with a separate webcam, microphone, and set of speakers, these objects will all take up their individual space. Finding the right location for each of them can also present a challenge. By contrast, with a video conferencing monitor, you will only need to find enough room for the monitor itself.
Another important thing to consider here is the fact that the webcam, speakers, and microphone will all be connected to the rest of the monitor through internal wiring. This will again free up space that would otherwise be occupied by cables, but it will also help students to avoid situations where devices accidentally come disconnected.
Next, it is vital to understand that the quality of remote or hybrid learning can be improved through the use of dedicated video conferencing monitors. After all, these monitors have been carefully designed with video conferencing in mind, meaning each of the individual features will be optimized for video calling activities.
High refresh rates will make it easier for students to participate in group discussions because they will be able to clearly see everyone involved, as well as any presentation slides or other content that is displayed. The microphone will also be ideally placed to pick up sound from someone sitting at an appropriate distance.
Meanwhile, a good video conferencing monitor will have a webcam that is capable of capturing excellent images and videos. The placement of this webcam will also make it easy for students to look at their screen and appear as though they are making eye contact with the teacher or with other students in their remote or hybrid lesson.
One last benefit associated with video conferencing monitors is their ability to transform how students learn and do their classwork. Armed with multiple ports to connect with other devices, these monitors provide students the ability to plug in additional devices to expand their workspace.
Because the communication tools are already built into the display, this frees the ports from external accessories such as microphones and webcams for additional devices. It is also essential to understand that the advantages here extend further than simply providing students with access to the built-in communication components.
For instance, in some school subjects, when work is being carried out remotely, students may need to make use of a separate device, and it may also be necessary to connect this device to their computer. By removing the need to plug in a separate camera, sound system, and microphone, there is greater scope for the use of other external devices.
A good example of this could be an art student using a graphic tablet and stylus, allowing for more natural drawing movements whilst attending a class simultaneously. An external plug-in device could be as simple as a USB flash drive too.
Moreover, it is worth stressing that video conferencing monitors provide additional protection. If the main video conferencing components are all separate, the chances of a student misplacing or losing one may be relatively high; with a video conferencing monitor, however, the threat of misplacing this equipment is essentially eradicated.
Video conferencing monitors are perfect for remote and hybrid learning because they offer all of the main equipment necessary to engage with video calls. The all-in-one approach makes the initial setup process far quicker and easier, while the lack of a need to acquire separate webcams, speakers, and microphones can save space too.
Monitors of this kind have been purpose-built for remote communication, so the essential features are all there, and students are less likely to misplace or damage the camera or microphone. Using a video conferencing monitor can also make it easier to use other devices, too, because the communications equipment takes up no USB ports.
Choosing the right video conferencing monitor for teaching or learning can be intimidating, you can learn how to get the right one for yourself in our complete guide. You may also like to explore ViewSonic educational tools for more effective video conferencing at school or from home.
For employers, workers, educators, and learners, the topic of video conferencing vs web conferencing is important to get to grips with. As remote and hybrid working and learning models have grown in popularity, these two concepts have also become more commonplace, and they need to be understood fully, which means pinpointing precisely what they actually mean and how they differ from one another.
Keep reading to find out more about both video conferencing and web conferencing. Each requires a proper desk setup to execute them well, so discover ViewSonic’s range of collaboration tools and solutions for your next virtual conference.
Over recent years, a greater number of employers and educators have started to embrace remote and/or hybrid approaches, which makes it worthwhile to explore video conferencing vs web conferencing properly. In particular, understanding what the two terms actually mean, why and how the concepts are useful, and the ways the two ideas differ can all help to ensure both video conferencing and web conferencing are used effectively.
In truth, it is not uncommon to encounter the terms video conferencing and web conferencing being used interchangeably, and there are even some situations when this makes perfect sense. Yet, with that being said, they are also distinct concepts, which deserve individual attention and understanding.
In this article, we will shine the spotlight on both topics so that you can understand them and use them appropriately.
When exploring the differences between video conferencing and web conferencing, it is worth covering the basics first, starting with some simple definitions of the two terms. The most coherent way to do this is to begin with web conferencing; the reasons for this will become clearer as the two terms are explained in more detail.
Broadly speaking, a web conference can be defined as the sharing of information and ideas via computer screens, applications, and/or web-based content, often in real-time. This would include everything from virtual meetings, where people use conferencing software to have interactive conversations, to webinars, which are live lectures or presentations, and even webcasts, which are usually pre-recorded and then distributed to an audience online.
Therefore, web conferencing can be seen as something of a catch-all term for the various kinds of meetings, collaborative sessions, and idea-sharing activities that are made possible through internet communication. These activities may include video chat, text-based communication and/or voice-based communication.
Video conferencing is a narrower term and actually refers to a specific type of web conference. Put simply, a video conference is a web conference that makes use of video-assisted features. In practical terms, this means participants will be using webcams and microphones in order to recreate many of the features associated with face-to-face meetings. Other technology, like interactive whiteboards and video conferencing monitors, may also be deployed.
Generally, the term video conferencing is suggestive of real-time communication, using both video and audio signals, although text-based communication can also be involved, as can other features to make the conference accessible. It is also a term that is indicative of group communication rather than one-to-one video chat sessions.
Businesses and academic institutions that embrace web conferencing as a whole have the opportunity to capitalize on some great benefits, with the single most obvious being the ability to connect to people anywhere, anytime. This is possible because web conferencing helps to remove many of the barriers that have traditionally been associated with geographical location, allowing meetings, presentations, and lessons to occur over vast distances.
Of course, this ability to limit or even eliminate the importance of physical distance can also have huge benefits when it comes to financial savings. Businesses have the opportunity to save significant sums when it comes to travel for meetings and events, with these savings extending to travel, accommodation, and other expenses. For events, there is also the opportunity to make significant savings on venue costs because people can ‘attend’ virtually.
As web conferencing is a broad term, the different possibilities that are included under its umbrella can also be considered a benefit. As an example, webcasts feature a one-directional flow of communication, which can make them ideal for delivering lectures to a class, whereas virtual meetings allow for a more back-and-forth flow of communication, with participants potentially sharing the information on their screens and speaking to one another in real-time.
Video conferencing is a specific form of web conferencing, which is aided by video-assisted features, and this provides numerous benefits. One of the most important of these relates to the ability to see other participants; each participant will generally use a webcam to capture themselves while using software that allows them to see others. This can be important for replicating the visual aspects of a conventional meeting or lesson.
A major benefit that is linked to this is the ability to see and interpret facial expressions and other forms of body language. The significance of this can perhaps best be explained by highlighting the fact that most experts agree that between 70 and 93 percent of all communication is non-verbal. The ability to pick up on body language queues, such as fidgeting, closed body language, head movements, and overall posture can greatly improve understanding.
In work settings, video conferencing can be ideally suited for meetings and idea sharing, while in education settings, video conferencing can be used in place of traditional classroom discussions and brainstorming sessions. In each of these cases, software like Microsoft Teams or Zoom could be used to host the sessions, as well as any breakout sessions, while interactive whiteboarding technology can assist with collaborative efforts.
Video conferencing vs web conferencing is an important comparison because the two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. A good way to remember this difference is to highlight the fact that video conferencing is a specific form of web conferencing, with an emphasis on video-assisted features and technology, whereas web conferencing is a broader term, which includes meetings, webinars, presentations, and more.
Understanding the differences between the two will help you realize the benefits of each better and faster. It’s not just all hardware with video and web conferencing – softskills are also necessary to achieve an effective virtual meeting. Read more about what to do and not to in our useful guide or discover ViewSonic’s collaboration tools and solutions for your best video conferencing setup.
Virtual classrooms have become an everyday reality for many teachers and learners today. The sophistication of modern software means that many of the activities of the traditional physical classroom can now be replicated in online settings. Furthermore, these digital tools facilitate teaching methods simply not possible with older technologies.
However, there are potential disadvantages of the virtualization of teaching. In this article, we consider the three main disadvantages of virtual classrooms and how to overcome them. You may also like to explore solutions from myViewBoard to ease the challenges of a virtual classroom.
The physical classroom works well when the teacher is enthused and the students are engaged. Lessons are made more effective by the use of mixed techniques and interaction. This allows teachers to build a rapport with the learners, which helps to motivate and retain interest.
However, it can be harder to achieve in digital space, particularly where attendance may be more patchy and distractions are prevalent. But with thoughtful planning and good tools, teachers can still build that rapport and foster educational success.
The virtual classroom is a recent development, but distance learning has a long history, particularly in higher education. However, modern technology has opened the door to remote learning in formal education, allowing teachers to replicate many of the functions of the physical classroom in virtual space.
Tools such as digital whiteboards replace their physical equivalent and also allow greater interactivity with students. In addition, text, voice, and video messaging promote communication in class, and other classroom-specific software applications allow participation management and group assignment.
Many software applications can be integrated to form a virtual classroom. These can have some significant advantages, such as increased global reach and flexibility. For example, a teacher can now reach a class distributed across the globe. However, the distancing of large numbers of students can make it harder for them to engage and may make attendance patterns more sporadic.
Nevertheless, with an effective visual learning platform like myViewBoard Classroom, there are ways to overcome the potential disadvantages of virtual classrooms.
The virtual classroom is not limited by physical resources. Therefore, class sizes can expand as required. This is fantastic for the democratization of education, but it can be hard to manage with a class of hundreds or even thousands of students. Students may be in different time zones, have different levels of commitment or interest, and have conflicting demands on their time. Attendance may be patchy, which impacts not just individual students but also affects the cohesion of the class as a whole.
Of course, traditional formal education is often legally mandated, and similar attendance monitoring can be used for the virtual classroom. But this does not cover all cases and may not address motivational issues for students’ non-attendance. Engagement is vital, as we address below, but there are also formal approaches to aid attendance.
The structure and timing of lessons will depend on the targeted audience. Where student numbers are relatively low and possibly part of an existing cohort, virtual classrooms can be a direct replacement for the physical or a hybrid solution. In this case, maintenance of the same timetable can help to keep order and regularity.
However, more flexibility is desirable in some cases, particularly when students operate in diverse time zones. Here it may be valuable to offer lessons on-demand in addition to scheduled group sessions.
One of the key aims of face-to-face teaching is student engagement. Engaged students focus on the lesson’s topic not just passively, but actively by thinking, responding, and questioning. This is a highly conducive state for learning. In addition, engagement is fostered where students share a rapport with the teacher, have a communal sense with their fellow students, and are interested in the material.
A possible disadvantage of virtual classrooms is that the first of these two factors may be lacking, and thus engagement can be harder to maintain. This is particularly the case with a large cohort of students in diverse locations who may never have met each other or their teacher. Again though, there are ways of managing this.
Most young learners are already well-attuned to digital communications through social media. Thus, a variety of communication channels have become part of the daily lives of the younger generation. Also, videoconferencing tools like Zoom are very prevalent, so technology as such is not the problem.
The key to maintaining engagement in virtual classrooms is interaction. Students watching a single speaker will quickly switch off. It is valuable, therefore, to include a range of activities in lessons. Presentations by the teacher as well as targeted video clips are a good way of introducing topics. Questioning and discussion can take place through videoconferencing or text messaging if network connections are weaker.
Of course, high numbers of students can be harder to work with, so to address this, virtual classroom software such as myViewBoard Classroom typically includes participation management, like hand-raising and speaker selection. These features can help to reduce the potential confusion of many simultaneous voices. Also, dividing learners into sub-groups is an excellent way of allowing closer communication and collaboration on exercises and creative projects.
While young students are well attuned to digital media, this is also a potential problem. Social media thrives on distraction. Therefore, when running a virtual classroom, educators need to consider ways to counter this kind of tendency and maintain student interest in the desired material.
It is useful to consider why social media is effective at distraction: we humans like stimulation and novelty. Educational techniques can also harness this tendency, and studies show that learning is actually facilitated by mixed media and diversity of approach. Videos, for example, can be highly engaging, but clips should be kept short.
Interaction is also essential. Students’ attention is maintained when they are personally involved. The effective use of participation management tools is, therefore, vital to keep the class onboard. Group projects in the lesson can also ensure that smaller-scale interpersonal interactions take place. These approaches give the learners a sense of agency, helping to keep them tuned in.
Many online learning platforms now use gamification to promote learning goals, and educators may also choose to pursue this kind of approach. It involves cycles of tasks and rewards, with point-building activities. This introduces a level of fun into the classroom, which can help streamline the educational program’s primary goals.
Furthermore, consider how some of the platforms that may potentially distract learners can also be included in the suite of applications for the lesson. For example, targeted use of social media can provide research or exemplification opportunities. Also, don’t forget that many familiar names like Google and Microsoft can form part of your virtual classroom software suite. These brands offer confidence and help learners to welcome education as a part of their wider digital experience.
Although virtual classrooms may present a few challenges, it is always useful to remember that technology and a little creativity can help overcome them. That being said, no new technology is without potential difficulties, but at the same time, the benefits cannot be ignored. With thoughtful planning, good software, and effective communication, most of the disadvantages of virtual classrooms can easily be turned into positives.
To learn more about teaching in a virtual setting or a flipped classroom, you can read our article of the different approaches to facilitate this educational model. You can also explore ViewSonic’s devices and myViewBoard software to help overcome any problems you’re facing.
Digital transformation in educational spaces is rapidly changing the way teachers teach and students learn. And it also impacts on how IT administrators and managers in schools and campuses manage devices for the best learning outcomes. As classrooms start to adopt technologies such as interactive whiteboards, it is essential to know how to setup and manage these devices.
We will go through the steps needed to best setup and manage interactive whiteboards in schools and campuses. You can also jumpstart your school’s digital transformation with ViewSonic’s ViewBoard displays.
In the recent years, the education sector has embraced integrating technology into their curriculum. Especially with the introduction of hybrid and remote learning, it has never been more important for schools to have the latest devices and solutions in EdTech to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience.
According to an EdTech survey done in the United Kingdom, about 84 percent of high schools have introduced or increased technology in the classrooms in 2020. 66 percent have also upgraded existing infrastructure in response to the pandemic and to enable a smooth transition to remote learning. Majority of the teachers interviewed agreed that the new technology introduced helped them deliver better remote and in-class lessons.
That means digital transformation of schools is here to stay. Classrooms will have to adapt to changing times and be outfitted with devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. IT administrators and managers will need to setup, manage, and maintain multiple devices to ensure product longevity, cost effectiveness, and most importantly, an effective learning environment.
In this article, we will look specifically at setting up and managing interactive whiteboards (IWBs) effectively in education spaces. In fact, the same survey has shown that high schools in the United Kingdom typically have between 21 to 1,000 interactive whiteboards. It is essential for the IT team to be equipped with the right tools and expertise to best utilize these interactive displays.
IT administrators and managers have a key role to play in pushing for digital transformation to positively affect the school’s learning and teaching culture. The following five steps acts as a guide on integrating IWBs into the school’s IT infrastructure.
Oftentimes, people are comfortable with the status quo and are not very welcoming to change. Convincing them that new devices such as interactive whiteboards can elevate tasks they are already doing well can be challenging. It is important to educate key stakeholders and teachers in the school that the display’s capabilities can make their jobs easier and open up new ways to teach.
To earn their buy-in, it will be useful to present benefits of device and showcase different classroom scenarios in which interactive whiteboards can alleviate the teachers’ pain points. As an example, if poor classroom engagement is an issue the teachers are facing, you can illustrate how IWBs enhance in-class collaboration and increase audience response with the usage of diverse multimedia content and intuitive touchscreen capabilities.
As not all education institutions have the necessary devices and software to keep up with the connected world, embarking on digital transformation can be daunting and challenging. A lack of strategy with any new technology can intimidate and confuse new users and possibly lead to lower usage and waste of resources.
Before purchasing the interactive whiteboards, it is vital to set out clear goals on what the school hopes to achieve with the devices. Invite headteachers and stakeholders to join in the discussions to outline measurable objectives and the subsequent steps to take. Here are some questions to raise:
By deciding how the interactive whiteboards are used, it sets up the school for success and makes teachers more comfortable with the adoption process. For the IT team, it is to ensure that the device is maximized to its full potential and that the school is on track with digital transformation.
Once you have gotten the greenlight to procure the IWBs, you will need to ensure that you have the right model with the necessary software to suit the different spaces. A lecture hall will require a larger screen size as compared to a classroom, and the latter will most probably need more touchpoints for onscreen collaborations.
The software and control management system (CMS) are important features to look at when purchasing the IWBs. The IT team is often tasked with managing, updating, and controlling the school’s IT infrastructure, which includes multiple systems, software, and processes. A lot of these tasks have to be done manually as the IT personnel will have to check on every device using different processes physically. A centralized CMS will increase the IT team’s efficiency and productivity.
Other key accessories to take note of are display stands for freestanding presentations and external web cameras for crisper video captures.
To maximize the capabilities of IWBs, it will be helpful to hold a demonstration to showcase the different features. Allow teachers to practice using the IWBs and its software to familiarize themselves with platform’s tools.
The IT team need to get accustomed to a centralized control system for managing multiple IWBs simultaneously. They then can easily install, delete, and update apps, send notifications, apply security settings, and schedule automated tasks from a single remote location. This streamlines many IT processes and saves IT personnel from wasting time attending to each and every device across the school.
Maintenance is part and parcel of extending the life of any product. Not only does it keep the device up to date with the latest software advancements, but it also stretches the investment the school has put in. One way to future-proof IWBs is to pair them with a mini desktop PC.
A mini desktop PC, like a ViewBoard Box, acts like what its name says. It is essentially a PC that transforms any display into a supercomputer. It can be integrated into the school’s IT infrastructure to streamline multiple AV products, including IWBs, projectors, monitors, and wireless presentation displays. By doing so, it creates an efficient ecosystem for the ideal digital school.
Whether it’s monitors or interactive whiteboards, it is important to set up and manage the adoption of such devices properly to ensure success and overall satisfaction of stakeholders, teachers, students, and the IT team. Only then can digital transformation in schools make a positive impact on teaching and learning outcomes.
There is an extensive list of why IT personnel in education like having interactive whiteboards, you can read the ten reasons here. Or you can also kickstart your school’s digital transformation with ViewSonic educational devices and solutions.
We live in a digital world where technology is constantly advancing, and our devices are becoming obsolete quicker. But what does that mean for the devices which we have invested heavily on? For many businesses and educational institutions, keeping up with shifting environments means having to purchase expensive equipment to adapt. That being said, devices bought today will depreciate tomorrow.
However, it does not make economic sense to constantly update and upgrade each time a new model comes into the market. Especially for big ticket items such as Interactive Whiteboards.
Continue reading to find out how you can extend the life of your interactive whiteboard at your schools or offices. Or explore ViewSonic’s intuitive ViewBoard displays and mini desktop PCs for seamless hybrid classes and remote meetings.
An interactive flat-panel display is a large-format screen with intuitive touch capabilities and an ideal replacement for old-fashioned whiteboards or outdated projectors. They have the ability to access information on the web, share content with other devices, and even have built-in software to enhance collaborations and video conferences. They are a worthy investment for corporate and educational spaces to make the shift from an analog world to a digital one.
With making any investment, we would want to stretch the value of these devices for as long as possible. Instead of constantly replacing old models with newer ones every few years, there is a way to extend the product life of your interactive display. By doing so, this ensures that you would receive a higher return on investment.
So, how does one prolong an interactive display? There is one way to expand the interactive display’s many features and extend its life at the same time – and that is to connect it with a mini desktop PC.
You might be familiar with the Chromebox, which is a small form-factor desktop that can deliver PC performance over a Chrome operating system. It is also known as a mini desktop PC.
A mini desktop PC is basically a minicomputer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of a desktop computer or a laptop. It comprises of a central processing unit (CPU) for operation, memory card for data storage, and an operating system to run desktop programs. Mini desktop PCs are also decked with multiple ports so that they can be plugged into interactive flat-panel displays or touchscreen monitors.
Some mini desktops are equipped with platforms to download and install software applications. For example, the ViewBoard Box provides access to Android apps for education, productivity, and entertainment needs. This allows users to enjoy their favorite applications on the interactive display.
Designed for maximum portability, these mini PCs can be easily connected to any display or monitor to bring workstation-grade capabilities. You can store your documents within its internal storage and share them easily via a WiFi connection. This transforms the already powerful interactive display into a computer with added applications.
The connection of a mini PC can prolong the product life of an interactive display, bringing you a whole host of other benefits.
When you equip your displays with a mini PC, it revives the operating system by adding increased performance and speed – transforming the large flat-panel into a smart desktop. It also brings an entire collection of applications that can be used for productivity, entertainment, or collaboration purposes. For example, the ViewBoard Box offers Android apps that can downloaded and used on the interactive display. Users will be able to access their favorite apps and use them for lessons or meetings.
By extending the product life of your interactive display, it also means you can replace them at a later stage. Instead of purchasing a new generation of devices each time they are released, you can continue using your existing models and invest the money in other tools and solutions. It doesn’t just increase the product life, it stretches your investment spent on the display.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In 2019, Fortune magazine reported that about 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was generated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stressed the impact of e-waste on human health, especially children and expecting mothers. By extending the product life of your interactive display, you reduce the amount of e-waste being sent to landfills and help conserve the environment for future generations to come.
Keeping in touch with the latest technology does not mean constant purchases and wastage, it can just be a simple solution of adding another tool to enhance and extend the original device’s lifespan. In the case of an interactive display, a mini desktop PC can deliver additional periods of usage and even more features to play around with.
However, it is important to know that when your interactive panels or wireless presentations displays are too outdated for use, it would be more effective to replace them with a newer model. You should take note of how you dispose of electronic devices properly so as to not cause environmental pollution.
If you are keen to learn more about mini desktop PCs, you can check out ViewBoard Box or browse our interactive ViewBoard displays for all your collaboration needs.
Businesses should always have one eye on the future, and the future of meetings is an especially important area to think about. After all, in many cases, business meetings take up a significant section of the working week, and this time needs to be optimized to generate the best possible business results.
Read on to learn more about what meetings will look like in the future and how you can prepare. You can also take a look at devices and solutions from ViewSonic for better meetings.
For any modern, forward-thinking business leader, the future of meetings should be of interest, and it is especially important to keep up with the latest trends in this area. Indeed, research suggests that the average worker currently spends the equivalent of 23 days per year in meetings, and this time needs to be productive and useful.
So, what will meetings look like in the future? How will the concept itself evolve? What role will technology play? How will meeting spaces change? In this article, we answer these questions so that you can stay one step ahead.
To start with, we will look at some of the general trends you might expect to see in the coming years.
First, one of the things experts tend to highlight is the anticipated growth of omnichannel meetings, where rather than having one agreed method, such as in-person or video conferencing, meetings in the future will combine several approaches.
This could mean some people being physically present in a meeting, some using video conferencing technology to attend meetings remotely, and others participating via telephone or even instant messaging. Going forward, you may even start to see a clearer role for virtual reality within business meetings, as we will cover later.
Essentially, the meetings of the future will be about breaking down barriers and meeting people where they are, in the ways they want. Technology has already allowed for hybrid meetings, where both in-person attendance and remote attendance can function alongside one another, and omnichannel meetings will be a further evolution of this.
For businesses, the main challenge here is ensuring that the in-person and virtual experiences intersect in such a way that meetings deliver what attendees need and want, regardless of their method of attendance. Making intelligent use of the most advanced telecommuting equipment is one significant part of this equation.
One of the great advantages businesses have discovered through the rise of virtual meetings is a much greater ability to scale meetings up and down at will, without costs spiraling out of control. This means more people can attend the meetings that are relevant to them, reducing the overall number of meetings that need to be held.
Beyond this, the ability to meet remotely has also allowed meetings to scale in terms of geography too. Attendees can attend a virtual meeting without having to physically travel to the location, which opens meetings up to multiple branches of a business or people in other parts of the country, and events can even happen on an international scale.
However, smaller meetings are better for active participation from all attendees. Fortunately, technology is going to provide solutions to that too, as software solutions like myViewBoard already offer breakout rooms, allowing for smaller meetings or ‘sub-rooms’ to be formed away from the main virtual meeting space.
With the growth of working from home and the benefits of video conferencing, it is easy to get carried away with the idea that the future of work will be people operating and interacting remotely. Yet, predictions that suggest physical meetings will die out entirely tend to ignore the clear value they still provide, as well as the social benefits.
Meeting with people in-person can help to encourage spontaneous conversations that spark some of the best ideas businesses have. Beyond this, some workers simply do not like working from home, and they may value the idea of interacting with people up close and dislike the effects that social isolation can have.
In some cases, such as in businesses that do not have physical office spaces, meetings may be the only time people working in the same company are actually present in the same space, and this will make the in-person experience more important rather than less important. Physical meetings are here to stay, but the line between physical and remote meetings will become more blurred, allowing more people to interact in the way that best suits them.
Next, it is helpful to give some thought to how the meeting spaces of the future may differ from what we are used to seeing in the workplaces of today, and explanations for why that may be.
An important adaptation that businesses need to get to grips with quickly is the so-called ‘millennial shift’. In 2020, the millennial generation accounted for roughly 40 percent of the US workforce and by 2025, they will account for 75 percent. As a generation, they are partially defined by a desire for flexibility and work-life balance.
This desire for flexibility and work-life balance has already started to influence meetings, with many workplaces adopting more casual meeting areas or huddle rooms, allowing for informal, impromptu get-togethers to take place. Even with more traditional meetings, which are arranged in advance, the rooms are becoming more comfort-forward.
This relaxation-centered future for meetings is also being influenced by a greater emphasis on employee well-being. That is not to say that formal, boardroom-style meetings are going to die out, but it is likely that a greater number of meeting rooms may feature furniture designed for comfort, more informal décor, and more flexible setups.
Despite the lack of business travel due to the pandemic, the continued growth of MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions) is another important trend. It is expected that demand for conference rooms and similar spaces will continue to increase. More businesses are likely to still organize meetings, events, and conferences away from their own location.
A related future trend, which has already started to emerge, will be greater demand for booking meeting spaces on short notice, for short time periods. In much the same way that companies like Airbnb helped to transform the tourism industry, similar platforms are likely to help shape the future of MICE tourism and meeting space bookings as well. Hotels are also transforming their rooms into offices and offering remote working packages for remote workers to have meetings in a private, conducive environment.
There is also likely to be a greater overlap between business travel and leisure travel, with employees extending their trips to enjoy the area they have traveled to. This combination of business and leisure activities – known as ‘bleisure’ – has already seen significant growth and is something companies will need to keep in mind.
In addition to having an eye on what the future of meetings may look like in general terms, and in terms of meeting rooms, it is worthwhile to consider how technology may help to shape this future too.
It may seem like people have been anticipating a virtual reality breakthrough in almost every industry for years now, but there are signs that the technology could have an important role to play in business meetings, especially when it comes to helping remote workers to feel more connected to one another.
We have already seen some early examples of VR solutions for business meetings, but while the potential for meeting other people in a virtual environment is clear, the full benefits of this have not yet been fully realized. One of the issues here is uptake, as although the VR market has grown substantially, many people still do not own a VR headset.
Nevertheless, the potential for the technology remains, and as conferencing software starts to embrace VR more, it could greatly aid with everything from social interactions to gamification, all leading to better remote meetings.
Another major technology trend that will help to define the future of meetings is improved access to important information and data, on-demand, in real-time. This has already started to happen, but as virtual conferencing platforms advance and portable devices continue to become easier to use, this is only likely to improve.
The result will be the ability to make much more informed, data and evidence-driven decisions, without delay and regardless of whether people are physically present in the meeting or participating remotely.
This is significant because one of the most common complaints with business meetings relates to a sense that they are often unproductive or do not have a clear purpose. When informed decisions can be made in the meeting, based on information that can be easily accessed, meetings can become much more productive.
Any business looking to gain a competitive advantage would do well to think about the future of meetings and how these gatherings may change in the years ahead. Although technology trends can be unpredictable, it is possible to get an idea of how future meetings will look based on what has already started to happen.
What seems clear is the fact that meetings will be more flexible, especially in terms of how people attend. Going further, meetings will become easier to scale up and down, more relaxed, and more focused on productivity and well-being.
Having better meetings enhances your business and elevates the happiness of your employees. It is vital to know what sort of meetings to hold and how to manage them. Read our complete guide on better meetings and transform the way you do them virtually or physically. You can also explore ViewSonic’s series of monitors and displays for better meetings today and tomorrow.
Every social and professional setting comes with certain rules of etiquette. As meetings move from the boardroom to our living rooms, it is still important to remain professional on a virtual platform. But video conferencing can bring about a lot of opportunities to commit faux pas.
Keep reading for a list of eight things you should steer clear of when video conferencing from home. You can also explore ViewSonic hardware and software for your next video conference.
Advances in modern technology and evolving expectations from employees have helped many companies to understand and embrace the benefits of video conferencing from home. From the greater level of flexibility provided to the morale-boosting potential, there are many advantages to be aware of, but there are also potential issues.
In particular, those taking part in video calls tend to dislike inefficiency, distractions, and technical issues, while there are also social faux pas that can have colleagues talking about you for all the wrong reasons. In this article, we explore some of the pitfalls of video conferencing by focusing on eight things you should never do.
While video conferencing does allow you to communicate with work colleagues from the comforts of your own home, you still need to look presentable. After all, you are still attending the workplace – albeit virtually. With this in mind, it is important to avoid dressing inappropriately for the situation.
Unless you have been specifically told that it is acceptable, you should avoid wearing extremely casual clothes, with pajamas representing an especially poor choice. While you will almost certainly not need to wear formal attire, you do need to take basic care with the way you present yourself and try to remember that you are in a work meeting.
You should opt for clothes in solid colors with no or minimal patterns. If you would like to wear accessories, keep them simple and small. Be mindful of your grooming as well – hair should be neat and face clear of blemish. In all, just remember that you are still in a corporate environment and that requires a level of professionalism.
The vast majority of mainstream video conferencing applications include options to mute your microphone, and you should learn to make use of it. In fact, try to get into the habit of pressing the mute button any time you are not speaking. Then, you can unmute yourself when you do need to contribute to the discussion. If you use the mute button wisely, you can greatly reduce the chances of a video conferencing disaster.
Background noises picked up by your microphone can be distracting for others on the video call, while there is also the potential that your microphone might pick up things you do not want it to, such as family members in the house with you. Some of the worst video conferencing faux pas have included people who thought they were talking to themselves, but their microphone picked up every word, leading to embarrassment and even disciplinary action.
Various studies over the years have attempted to address the role that body language plays in communication. You may have heard, for example, of the 7-38-55 rule, which states that just 7 percent of communication is expressed through the spoken word, while 38 percent of meaning is conveyed through tone and the remaining 55 percent is body language.
With video conferencing, that 55 percent remains just as significant, so you need to take care of your body language. Making a good impression also counts during a video conference. Try to be conscious about what your facial expressions may be conveying and adopt a good posture. It is common to want to lean your face into your hands, but that might reflect poorly on your attitude or commitment to the virtual meeting.
Eye contact is another important part of communications, even though you are staring into a camera. Position your webcam so that you can look at your screen to appear engaged and focused. A good video conferencing monitor will have a built-in webcam intelligently positioned to ensure maximum eye contact. Some might even have ergonomic features so that you can tilt the screen to best fit your eye level and still be presentable.
With the advent of video conferencing, comes the peering eyes of your colleagues and their judgment on your interior design. To be more presentable, you should try to make sure you are located somewhere where you will not become a distraction to others in the session, so try to avoid areas of the house where there may be clutter or potential activity behind you.
Place yourself before a plain and simple background with tasteful décor and remove any clutter such as visible computer wires and laundry out of sight. You might also want to be mindful of the light source. If you do not have access to natural sunlight, you might want to invest in a ring light to distribute light evenly for better close-ups.
While not everyone has a room with a view, the best option to work around that is to make use of digital backgrounds. In some cases, this can be difficult if your home does not have a huge amount of free space to work with. One possible solution here, if you are using a video conferencing solution like Zoom, is to make use of the digital backgrounds. However, you need to be careful and select a static background that is professional.
There is nothing more frustrating than taking part in a video conference where people are unprepared, so you need to take steps to avoid being the cause of other people’s frustration. This means you need to take the time to prepare for the video conference, and this is true whether you are organizing the session or simply participating.
In terms of the actions you need to carry out, you must make sure you understand the reason for the meeting, and you need to have carried out any necessary preparation work in advance. Additionally, you also need to take the time to make sure your equipment works and to test your internet connection. If technical issues can be addressed ahead of time, unnecessary delays or disruptions can be avoided.
One of the biggest problem areas here is interrupting people when they are talking. If you are someone who tends to interrupt or talk over people, make a conscious effort to stop doing it.
Video conferencing can only be truly successful when those participating have a fair chance to contribute to the discussion, share ideas and ask questions. As an article for The Guardian points out, men have a particular tendency to dominate conversations, so sometimes it is important to take a step back and allow others to have their say.
Those who are in positions of influence can also help by pointing out when interruptions occur and by allowing the person who was interrupted to have a chance to finish the point they were making. If you need to offer a comment or suggestion, some video conferencing platforms offer a ‘hands-up’ button to indicate that you would like to speak. Often, the host of the meeting will then give you time to voice your thoughts when available.
Work meetings do have a social element, but they should also have a clear purpose. Occasionally going off on a tangent is understandable and meetings can work perfectly well with the occasional off-topic remark, but you do need to make a real effort to focus on the topic at hand and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Research published by the Harvard Business Review found that 71 percent of senior managers felt their business meetings were “unproductive and inefficient”. With this in mind, it is crucial that you do try to prioritize comments, questions, and contributions that are relevant to the purpose of the meeting. People are much more likely to feel like their time has been wasted if irrelevant discussions occur.
While remote work has many different benefits for employees and employers alike, there are also some potential pitfalls or problems with working from home, and becoming distracted by your surroundings is a good example. To get the most from video conferencing, you need to avoid any unnecessary multi-tasking and maintain your focus.
For example, you may find yourself becoming distracted by other work-related matters like responding to emails or trying to continue work while in the meeting. Equally, you may find yourself attempting to multi-task in other ways, like eating your lunch while on the video call or using your smartphone to browse the internet. Regardless, you need to remove distractions and pay full attention to the meeting.
Video conferencing from home has the power to break down some long-standing work barriers and allow for greater flexibility, but you will need to make an effort to avoid some of the pitfalls and faux pas too. Generally, the main things to avoid are distractions, becoming a distraction yourself, and actions that can hinder efficiency and productivity.
For more dos and don’ts of video conferencing, this helpful guide will take you through four things you should practice and another four not to. If you would like to know more about the best video conferencing setup, you may like to check out ViewSonic’s equipment to help support your next virtual meeting.
The ability to host an effective web conference is becoming increasingly important within both business and education settings, but it is reliant on understanding the technology and following the most essential steps for great remote communications. These steps include providing the right equipment, doing the right preparation work, controlling the conference itself, and more.
Read on for a breakdown of six of the most important steps for effective web conferences. You may also like to look at the video conferencing equipment from ViewSonic.
With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, as well as the ever-growing popularity of distance learning approaches, it has never been more important to be able to run an effective web conference. Nevertheless, according to a survey carried out by Wundamail, 42 percent of workers participating in video calls do not actually contribute.
More often than not, the problems here are linked to ineffective web conferences, where the purpose is not clearly defined, where preparation work is not carried out, or where people do not feel equipped to engage fully. The good news is, these are all issues that could be resolved with some basic knowledge and the right actions.
In this article, we will expand on how to achieve great remote communications through effective web conferencing, with a particular focus on six of the most important steps for improving success rates.
The following six steps can help you to carry out an effective web conference and achieve your goals.
It is important to understand that ‘web conference’ is a broad term, and there are a variety of web conferencing types to choose from. With this in mind, the very first step to hosting an effective web conference is to select the right type. This will largely depend on what it is you are looking to achieve with the conference.
For instance, if the communication type you are envisioning is primarily one-way, a webinar or webcast may be the ideal choice. A webinar is a live presentation or lecture that is usually streamed online. It might offer some form of interaction as attendees can pose questions via text chats or polls. A webcast is a pre-recorded presentation that is broadcasted to a massive, passive audience.
However, if you are aiming to host a web conference that is centered more around remote collaboration or teamwork, perhaps among work colleagues, a virtual meeting is likely to be a better fit. These allow for more interactive conversations, facilitate idea sharing and replicate many of the qualities of in-person meetings.
Once you have a clear idea of what your web conference is going to look like, you need to make sure that you have the necessary hardware to carry it out. Web conferencing devices include high-resolution web cameras, microphones, monitors, internet connection, and even large-format displays.
If you are going to host a live webinar with a large passive audience watching in, it might be better to have a wireless microphone to speak into and an interactive touchscreen to present from. And if it’s a small virtual meeting of five to ten persons, a video conferencing monitor integrated with a webcam, microphone, and speakers might be a better fit for the scenario.
It is vital to ensure that all equipment are connected together, either by cable or wirelessly, for a more stable and smoother web conference. The software of your devices should also be updated to its latest operating system to be able to support video conferencing applications.
It is important to settle on a video conferencing software or application that will help to facilitate your web conference. Many companies might have their preferred platform already in place, but it is important to ensure that external attendees are able to attend without the need of complicated downloads and logins.
Some of the most popular platforms available include Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom. Depending on the type of conference you are looking to host, you will need to test out the different features of each platform. Some platforms have limited timeframes or a cap on the number of participants, while others might have recording or live caption capabilities.
When you have decided on your preferred platform, you will also need to prepare an alternative as a back-up. It will also be useful to provide links for phone call-ins for attendees who prefer to dial into the conference.
If you have ever taken part in a bad web conference, chances are the root causes will be poor organization and lack of preparation. This can lead to a disjointed event that may not start on time, have technical issues, or even veer off-topic. When faced with a disorganized web conference, the audience are unlikely to find it useful and you might not be able to achieve what you want.
Planning beforehand can help prevent such problems from happening. To start, you need to have a very clear idea of what the web conference is going to be about and what the aims and objectives are. Next, have a checklist to ensure all the necessary tasks such as finalizing the presentation slides and sending of email invites are completed.
If you are the host, it may be useful to hold rehearsals a few days before to familiarize yourself with the flow of the conference. To avoid any unnecessary technical hiccups, you should also check that your equipment and internet connection is functional before the conference begins. If applicable, all reading materials should also be sent to the attendees ahead of time.
With equipment procured and preparation work carried out, it is now time for the web conference to take place. It might be more efficient to have different people hosting and managing the conference. This ensures that each person has a clear role to play and dedicated tasks to accomplish.
As an example, the one managing the web conference can be in charge of timekeeping and leading the conversation during the Q&A session. Whereas for the host, they will take care of presenting the content to the audience and steering the topics should deviation occur.
Despite taking all the precautions, there might be a possibility that a technology malfunction will happen. Just remember to stay calm and try to keep the mood of the web conference lighthearted. If the delay stalls for longer than five minutes, you might have to apologize and reschedule it to another day.
The sixth and final step to ensuring an effective web conference is to make the most of your follow-up process. This is a step that is often neglected, and it is a fundamental mistake to do so. If you do not follow up on a web conference, your chances of achieving your aims and objectives are going to be drastically reduced.
The precise nature of your follow-up will depend on the nature of your web conference and what was discussed. To offer an example, if your web conference resulted in clear action plans, you might need to follow up with individuals to make sure they are doing what was agreed. Meanwhile, if your web conference was customer-facing, you may need to follow up with those customers in order to actually encourage a sale, subscription, or conversion.
It is important to be persistent too. A commonly cited sales statistic is that 80 percent of sales require five follow-up attempts, yet 44 percent of salespeople give up after one attempt. The same basic principle also applies to business meetings, distance learning sessions, and other web conferences. Follow up, and do not be afraid to follow up again.
Great remote communication has never been more important, but truly effective web conferences are less common than they should be. Fortunately, by following the six steps outlined above, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving your core aims while also ensuring the other participants take something valuable from the session.
For web conferences to be effective, it is essential to also know about the etiquette of web conferencing to ensure what to do and not to. As for the equipment, you may read our complete guide on the best video conferencing setup. Or discover ViewSonic’s range of hardware and software solutions for your next web conference.
Understanding the dos and don’ts of web conferencing is important because it helps to improve the quality of communication in virtual spaces, enhance overall productivity in businesses, boost the quality of learning in educational environments, and avoid situations where you accidentally come across as unprofessional.
Read on to explore our list of things you should do and the things you should avoid with web conferencing. You may also like to explore ViewSonic hardware and software designed for web conferencing.
As concepts like hybrid learning and remote work grow, the role of online communication is going to continue to expand. This makes it important for everyone to understand some of the main dos and don’ts of web conferencing.
After all, even prior to the transformation brought on by the pandemic, 55 percent of companies allowed for remote work, and 30 percent of employees were considered full-time remote workers. This is before even touching upon the rapid rise of distance learning in schools and universities, which is also hugely reliant on web conferencing.
In work and learning environments where web conferencing plays a large role, faux pas and technical issues can greatly hinder the effectiveness of this communication form, and nobody wants to be the cause of unnecessary disruption. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the dos and don’ts you should try to keep in mind.
The equipment you use will be a significant factor in having either a positive or negative web conferencing experience, so it is worth taking the time to find the best options. The precise equipment you use may depend on the nature of the web conference, but some common equipment will include a webcam and a headset with a built-in microphone.
If you are going to be participating in video conferences on a regular basis, it may be worthwhile to invest in a more purpose-built video conferencing monitor. These monitors will often include a camera, microphone, and integrated audio, while also offering privacy features and a high-definition screen to make multi-person conferences safe and easy to follow.
Before you begin your web conference, you need to take the time to test your internet connection. The easiest way to do this is to run a free speed test, so that you can double-check that your internet speeds are sufficiently high to cope with the demands of the conference, without causing issues that may affect clarity.
Many video conferencing applications also include their own options for testing, allowing you to gain a sense of how your connection is likely to perform during a conference while also allowing you to test out your hardware. Making use of these features is another good way to avoid running into problems during meetings, lessons, or events.
While it is important to take steps to avoid distracting others, it is equally important to take sensible measures to minimize the chances of you becoming distracted during a web conference too. Some of this can be achieved by making sure your web conferencing setup is located in a conducive place, but there are further steps to consider.
For example, if you have a mobile phone nearby and you are not going to need it for the web conference, either turn it off or make sure it is on silent and avoid checking it constantly. You should also make sure your television is turned off, and you should steer clear of any web browser tabs that are not relevant to the conference.
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, which is especially true with web conferencing, where people are likely to make snap judgments about you based on a number of factors. One of the easiest ways to make a good first impression is to make sure you are on time and ready to go when the conference begins.
Beyond this, depending on the nature of the conference, you may need to give careful consideration to what you are wearing and how you present yourself. Additionally, according to Business Insider, your body language can play a key role here, so try to adopt good posture, maintain eye contact, smile, and try to project confidence.
As with all professional settings, it is important to look your best during a web conference. Wear properly fitting solid-coloured clothes and avoid loud patterns. Check your appearance before signing into the meeting – making sure hair, teeth, and makeup, if using, are presentable. Last but not least, ensure that there is ample light behind your camera to avoid unflattering shadows when on camera.
If you are going to be visible at a web conference, it is important that the background is not messy or otherwise distracting. If you are participating in the conference from your own home or from the workplace, take the time to position yourself and your equipment so that the background is as clean and tidy as possible.
Many web conferencing software solutions, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, allow you to use a digital background, which can be valuable in situations where you are unable to position yourself in an ideal location. However, if you are going to make use of this feature, select a sensible background that feels appropriate for the meeting.
It is also critical that everyone involved in web conferencing sessions adheres to basic etiquette, which means avoiding the temptation to speak over people or interrupt them when they are mid-sentence. Research published in the New York Times suggests women can find it especially difficult to be heard in web conferences and online meetings.
From a survey of around 68,000 people, more than half of the women reported that they had experienced being interrupted in work discussions, while 38 percent said they had experienced others taking credit for their ideas. For web conferencing to be successful, everyone should feel they have a voice, and this will sometimes require you to stay quiet.
When participating in a web conference, you may feel tempted to try to multi-task, whether that means reading something else on your computer screen or trying to continue with the work you were doing before the session. However, it is important to avoid this temptation for a number of reasons.
Firstly, if you are visible to other people via a webcam, they may notice that you are not giving the web conference your undivided attention. This can not only come across as rude but might also distract other participants. Additionally, if you are not paying attention, you might miss crucial information or an opportunity to make a valuable contribution.
As an article for Entrepreneur.com points out, the mute button on your microphone can be invaluable when it comes to improving the quality of web conferencing for others. When possible, try to get into the habit of muting your microphone when you are not speaking or likely to need to interject quickly.
Muting your microphone in this way will prevent it from picking up any unwanted background noises, as well as sounds that you might make, which could range from simply breathing to drinking a cup of coffee to typing of the keyboard and a car honk. Of course, you also need to get into the habit of taking the microphone off mute each time you need to speak.
The rise of distance learning, remote work, and hybrid models has made web conferencing a fundamental part of modern life. When used effectively, web conferences can help to bring people together, break down the traditional barriers associated with a physical location, and allow for much more flexible approaches to teaching and employment.
Nevertheless, it is important that you take the time to understand some of the main dos and don’ts of web conferencing too. Once you have this awareness, you are less likely to distract people, become distracted yourself, commit faux pas or mistakes in etiquette, or adversely affect the overall quality of communication.
It is important to understand that while we can foster for a better video conferencing environment as individuals, we also need to learn about the pros and cons of remote collaboration and the right tools for support.