Web conference

Unlike conferences and meetings that take place in physical rooms, participants meet virtually in a digital meeting room to discuss a topic. The role of the moderator can shift between the participants as needed. Participants can use various applications to share their screens and collaboratively edit documents.

Idea:

Web conferences enable location-independent and flexible collaboration with direct feedback and a wide range of interaction options. Social exchange can also be maintained across physical boundaries and promoted using digital tools.

Didactic variety is provided by interactive elements, check-ins, small group work in breakout rooms, and also a joint backup of results on virtual whiteboards.

The web conference has now also established itself in flipped classroom approaches in blended learning.

Implementation:

If recording: Ask for permission to record the conference at the beginning. This can be sent afterwards to course participants who were unable to attend. In addition, content and agreements can be looked up again.

Introduction: Open the web conference on time and start by introducing yourself and the agenda. Make sure that you are not disturbed by external stimuli.

Time management: Take breaks during longer sessions and keep an eye on the time.

Engagement: Use interactive tools such as polls with a show of hands, whiteboards, or plan introduction or feedback rounds.

Preparation:

Topic selection: Define the objective and topic of the web conference.

Invitation: Create an appointment link with a rough agenda and invite the learners.

Technology: Check the technical requirements (internet connection, webcam, microphone).

Tools: If necessary, familiarize yourself with the creation of breakout rooms and editing on whiteboards.

Access: Have the links and access data for tools and work files ready (if compliant with data protection regulations, you can also share these publicly or with a specific domain).

The University of Frankfurt has some tips for creating interactive virtual courses: 
https://lehre-virtuell.uni-frankfurt.de/knowhow/lehrveranstaltungen-per-videokonferenz-interaktiv-gestalten/?utm_source=tts-insights&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=webkonferenz