Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many conventional classroom-based studies shifted to online learning sessions. The switch towards online platforms is not limited to education only but millions of employees have also preferred home offices over traditional workplaces. It is not easy to pick up on the use of internet conferencing technology in your remote university programs in a short period of time. However, after attending some virtual classes, you will be able to develop skills for the future and even for your career advancement. 

Interaction and collaboration are necessary parts of remote working and learning. Moreover, online meeting sessions provide the best way to communicate with your virtual team members. Regardless of the tools your university or professors use (e.g., Zoom, Collaborate, Webex, BigBlueButton, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams), you can take steps to improve your online experience before, during, and after the online classes.

Before Your First or Next Online Session

◾ Test your accessibility in online classes

Make sure you can readily access your organization’s internet conferencing system from wherever you are, as well as the tool you intend to utilize. You can look for ways to evaluate your setup in advance of your meeting. 

For example, Zoom provides a test meeting room to try its features, and GoToMeeting gives a system check.

◾ Identify your University sources for tech aid

In colleges, technical help desks and other support services that provide online instructional materials are already available. These resources, such as tutorials and quick guides, offer step-by-step directions. These instructions assist us to comfortably use tools and access the institution’s web conferencing systems.

◾ Report any troubles or problems

If you can’t connect to internet conferencing or your Internet speed isn’t fast enough to support a live conference, report the problem immediately to your professor. Professors can team up with students to find alternative approaches to links, such as videotaped course seminars.

During the Online Classes

◾ Try to log in early

Keep a link to your teacher’s meeting room on your computer, save it, and visit 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. When you prepare to attend a meeting from a new location or with a new device, it is critical for your first meeting and every future conference. If the connection is troublesome, then it’s vital to set aside some time for troubleshooting.

Adjust the settings

Make sure to disconnect your microphone and camera before logging into the meeting. You may need to do this each time you come, or it may be the default when you arrive, depending on how each session is set up. Likewise, you can use the web conferencing system’s tools to test your mic and video before starting the online classes to ensure that you are prepared.

◾ Avoid disruptions and disturbances

It’s easy to get distracted from an online lesson, either physically or mentally. During online lessons, avoid doing activities like eating, checking your e-mail, or doing housework to stay focused on the session. If you don’t do them in a regular classroom, don’t do it online. Be an energetic participant in these live sessions.

◾ Understand precisely how personal messaging works

Internet conferencing systems use several methods to communicate throughout a meeting, including text chat. When you open up the conversation function, you can select the option that allows you to send a message to “everybody” or an exclusive message to the presenter (i.e., your professor) or private attendees (i.e., your classmates). Each system manages these messages differently, yet it’s good to presume that your teacher can see all personal messages. Additionally, these messages may also show up in a recording or copy of the conference.

After attending an Online Classes

◾ How well it goes?

Take a few minutes after you’ve finished the training session to review what worked and what didn’t. Identify methods by which you could make the subsequent sessions even better. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways, ranging from greater preparation for discussion topics to increasing your internet connection — more on that below. Keep in mind that online meetings are learning experiences, and both you and your teacher will improve over time.

◾ Boost your web connection

The internet conferencing systems require a lot of bandwidth to work well. But if you already know you’re having problems with low-speed connections, you can attempt some of these solutions. To begin, work out a schedule with your roommates or family to determine when and how long you’ll be in a live session.

Restriction of other streaming activities (e.g., music, movies, games) that may be active at the time would surely improve your experience. Contacting your ISP to check what other options are available throughout your online training classes is a good idea.

Customize your profile for online classes

You can set up your account customized profile. It includes details such as changing the appearance of your name and adding photos. These are simple yet effective ways to communicate with professors and classmates via the internet.

Transition to online classes learning  takes time and patience

Overall, it is essential to permit yourself and your teachers some time to precisely determine how this will work. Many of your lecturers will look for ways to conduct online classes more effectively through various actions and interactions. You should also explore opportunities and provide feedback as much as possible to improve the process. 

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