Thrive in your online class

Thrive in your online class

This page addresses students’ experience of participating in our pastoral and or narrative therapy training in Coram Deo blended learning groups. These tips, tricks and the overview should solve most of what learners are anxious about, except for having the courage to actually cross the boundary of doing it.

Technology: Zoom (like Skype but works differently)

Data: It is suggested that participants use wi-fi data instead of mobile data. For participants who have uncapped accounts wi-fi data is likely not a problem. Participants can reduce data consumption. Once in Zoom, locate and select video settings on your screen. On the video panel disable ‘HD’ (that is ‘high definition). Some sources suggest data consumption is about a Gig per hour although in our own measurements for group classes we’ve seen data consumption at about 200 Meg per hour when we meet in standard definition.

Device: Use a laptop/ PC or even your mobile smartphone. We suggest the latter simply because you will see more of what you need to see and there is better access to controls on the screen. For most modern devices Zoom won’t be a problem. It is important that you have the latest version of Zoom installed. If you have recently used Zoom for the first time then you likely have the latest version but it wouldn’t harm to be sure. The latest version can be found here: https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting (the top one that says ‘Zoom client for meetings’). You can also download Zoom from your app store but note that you don’t need to create an account of your own.

Online classrooms: Zoom uses the idea of a Meeting ID (we just say ‘classroom number’). This is a long web url (often you will see ‘www’ that reads something like zoom.us/[a number]. This number stays the same for the group throughout their studies. It can be seen as your classroom on/in the internet. Please make double sure that that is the number or link that you use. You enter the classroom by either clicking on the link provided or by going to https://zoom.us/join and entering your classroom number (Meeting ID). After clicking your link or inputting it in the ‘join’ window you may be asked for a password. That is a password that we give along with the meeting ID. In some cases participants might have been given ‘n link that already includes the password. This is a much longer link. In this case you won’t have to use the password provided.

Audio: Keep your audio muted if it is not muted already once you are in the classroom. Don’t let that deter you from participating. You can cut into the conversation at anytime by clicking unmute. At the time of writing the ‘spacebar’ button on a keyboard temporarily unmutes a person until you let go of it. Keeping microphone audio muted minimises background noise in the group. Mute or unmute is a function of the zoom screen you look at, with mute/unmute icons (a mic and video icon on the screen, usually to the bottom left of a laptop screen). However these controls are overriden by your computer settings, which in most cases won’t be an issue as Zoom asks to take control of your microphone and webcam. Sometimes when it is asked you have to accept while depending on your computer settings this is automatic.

Apart from the Zoom mute/unmute selection also make sure that you know where your shortcut keys or settings on your computer are for your microphone and video/webcam. This is not on your screen. Often it is one of the F-function keys of your laptop. Even though you might be unmuted your device/laptop itself can be set to allow/ not allow your device inbuilt (or external) microphone or speakers to function as you’d expect. If your Zoom screen microphone button is unmuted and participants are not hearing you, then likely your laptop microphone itself is off (or your listeners speakers might be switched off but is unlikely) . This could also be the case for your video.

Participants should know where to switch their speaker volume, microphone, and video/webcam on or off. Chances are good that Zoom already is given control of those functions on your device but familiarise yourself with the settings in any case. They are either a part of the F-function keys or search for them on your device.

More about F-Function keys here, and here.

Turn up your speakers to its maximum volume if you struggle to hear. And also be sure to speak up especially if several people are gathering around one computer. Volume of specifically mobile and laptop devices differ considerably. An inexpensive set of external speakers will help a great deal to boost what you hear (preferably not speakers that connects via Bluetooth although in most cases that should also work fine). Note however that if you use earbuds (along with external speakers) you will need an inexpensive splitter as many modern devices including laptops use the same input connection as your earbuds. But then again, if you use earbuds then you will hear through the earbuds. If participants complain that you come across very soft you should do one or all of the following. Change between using earbuds microphone and your device own microphone. Earbuds (such as for use with hands-free mobile calling) are not necessarily better suited for the job at hand. Turn up your microphone input level by going to Zoom audio settings. These settings are usually located somewhere close to the microphone icon. You will only be able to turn the input level up if you un-tick the ‘automic’ box.

More on audio issues here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/202050538-Audio-Echo-In-A-Meeting

Video: Once the class commences, please keep the video switched on (unmuted). This ads to the personal nature of the classes. Ensure that your room is well lit. If you are experiencing connection problems you may switch off the video (mute) and see if it helps. Also realise that there is no way of knowing whether someone is actually behind the screen if they don’t share their video and if they keep quite. It is tough for a lecturer to speak to black window and not be able to gauge the response of participants. The only exception would be traditional one way lecturing but Coram Deo rarely does that.

Also make a habit of it to look straight into your camera at least some of the time. One wants to look at the faces on the screen but then no one has the experience of looking into someone’s eyes. Make eye contact (through your webcam) at least some of the time.

Realise though that with video displaying, try not to fidget too much just as you probably would not fidget during a local meeting. Especially on a mobile device put it down more or less at eye level so your online peers will see you at their eye contact level.

Another thing to remember is that communication is not only about talking. You can thumbs-up, wave, sit back, sit forward, raise your hand to name but a few gestures. If the setting is activated by admin there are also icons that you can select on your screen to ‘raise’ your hand. But provided that the group is not too large which determines how many participant windows are included on screen, participants may simply wish to raise their hands physically.

On-screen name: Keeping with making things personal. Once you are online, right click on your specific image and rename. Type in your name and last name (or the names of the people there). If you do not do that Zoom will likely use the name that it sees on your device. It could be your name or sometimes it’s the model of your phone. Since ‘Samsung A3’ is not your name and class mates would like to communicate with each other, please change this. The system automatically keeps attendance, but we won’t know who ‘Samsung A3’ is on the attendance register.

Telephone dial in options: There are several numbers learners can use to dial in to a classroom with a telephone. Learners can use their mobile or landline devices. Locate the numbers via the link. Dialing rates within your country apply where Zoom offers a local number to dial to: https://zoom.us/zoomconference The ability to dial in, in this way might be disabled.

Create a better experience: Consider to use mobile phone earbuds. If they are for a mobile phone they will work on your laptop also as it uses a standard mini-jack connector. They also have a built in microphone. This is likely to pick up your voice better while minimising background noise. (Note however that wireless earbuds might have a slight delay so we suggest the average wired ones). Your everyday modern laptop / PC will pick up the earphones automatically once you plug it in. Consider this strongly if participants indicate that they struggle to hear you. Yet we have encountered that the earbuds don’t work better in all cases.

Connectivity problems: The general rule is that if you experience problems, the problem is likely on your side since much of your experience is determined by 1) your internet connection 2) your computer’s way of managing system resources and media. Sometimes you will get an automatic message “Your internet connection is unstable.” It could be that it is just temporary. No one will know but you. Zoom also tries to compensate for slower internet so hang in there. If you fall out of the meeting, simply log back in with the link provided. Rarely so, but the lecturer might even temporarily be cut out. They also just click on the link again. At times your screen might temporarily freeze. If you have merely been listening at that point, no one will notice. Even if your video freezes a second or two your audio is prioritised and your video will catch up soon.

Wi-fi vs Lan/ Ethernet cable: Relevant to computers and laptops (not mobile devices). The rule of thumb is that a wired connection (like an Ethernet cable) is better than a wireless connection (like Wi-fi). What is referred to here is the connection from your router to your device and not the way that your service provider gives you the internet. Most home routers will also take an Ethernet cable which is then extended to your laptop or computer’s port. This is not absolutely necessary and often Wi-fi is sufficient. If you have a Lan able/ Ethernet connectivity, use that.

Internet connection: The requirements for you internet is surprisingly low compared to your average internet provider starting options. Internet providers are not likely to offer anything less than a 2Mbps line (download link). You can test your line free here. The requirements you should be looking at on the following page is for ‘group video calling.’ Where your line really starts to matter is when a number of devices connect through one internet connection. It is ideal to disconnect other devices in your home when you are learning online. Things that actively use your internet at that time will use resources such as online gaming, someone watching Netflix, Youtube or similar apps. The effect will be determined by what those connected devices are actually doing at the time.

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux

Your basic requirement for a computer processor is a single core processor (this is considered ‘pre-historic.’ Many phones nowadays have more than one processor. Here are things to consider on your computer and mobile device.

Maximising computer resources: Close any computer programs, apps that you don’t need (especially if you have an older computer). You can always switch it back on after class. Since you are not browsing on the internet you may even choose to switch of your virus protection for the class meeting as that takes considerable resources. Close any other browser windows or tabs (like social media for instance). Close your email program (like Outlook, for instance). Others could include closing any open Word documents, Windows Explorer folders, and some programs in your task bar. You can also mute/ switch off your video too conserve your computer resources only for audio. Most VPN services will likely impact your meeting experience.

Browser: Your browser is the programme/application with which you choose to go on to the web. The most popular browser is Chrome. This is what we suggest. In far second place comes Firefox and Microsoft Edge. It is a good idea to dedicate one browser for your online class especially of you use a number of plugins. The browser you then use is as clean as possible of other extensions or plugins. We have heard students had some trouble with the Safari browser.

WhatsApp groups: While Zoom has a built in ‘chat’ function for during classroom meetings many students exchange communication during the meetings in their respective WhatsApp groups. WhatsApp groups are not compulsory and most often is created by students or lecturers. Official communication takes place through other media. However, WhatsApp is a quick way for some students to say when they experience problems (or connect during the week). You may wish to switch off the notifications during the class so that it is not a hindrance in the Zoom classroom meeting.

Participation: Online groups are worth your while only to the extent that learners are open to the experience and am prepared to take part in conversations (much like any local class). When Coram Deo decided to offer online learning we also decided that it will not be based on the traditional distance learning model. We can help learners sort out all or at least most problems for them to thrive in an online learning community.

Are you hosting a learning community where no or few participants have their own device?

The next section is not relevant to students who connect individually. It becomes relevant where students of about five people come together for learning or for partners who host learning groups at their venue.

Coram Deo’s classes are interactive. Using a set up where a number of people, in excess of roughly five participants (5), gather in one venue is more tricky and can stifle participation. This effectively forces the lecturer into one-way communication. Here are a number of things to consider.

Be sure to find a way for participants to interact with the lecturer and other people joining online preferably where they sit. Firstly the participant needs to be able to speak and be heard. Use an external microphone, preferably one that is wireless. In some cases participants giving feedback can be asked to come sit in front of the device to be heard better and seen clearer by other participants online. While it is interactive, the best one can achieve with this is a question-answer-feedback style. What we are rather aiming at is free conversation.

Truly free participation is only possible for participants with their own devices in the room. This helps the lecturer quite a bit as it contributes to the experience feeling personal. While participants may see the lecturer larger than life if for instance a projector or large screen television is used, from the other direction the lecturer sees into a big room or hall. The lecturer won’t be able to make out the faces of participants further away than approximately 3 meters. Since those participants don’t have their own devices, there names aren’t displayed on the main device. To work around this, participants can use their own devices in the larger group.

If participants are working with their own devices as part of a larger group where there is a main device then the host has an even more important function. Firstly consider that too many devices, if connecting to the same internet connection, might have an adverse effect on the connection. Everyone should not use their own device but it is great to have some devices that can be passed around. The most important thing for the host and operator of the main device in the room is that the person responsible for the main device should be in a position to instantaneously switch of the sound coming from the speakers in the room. If this does not happen the sound will produce a feedback loop. With devices being passed around any participant can speak freely and this is a great work around for groups that does not have a way for participants to be heard or picked up by a main device such as a laptop far away. As soon as the participant is handed a device to speak then the main sound for the speakers should be momentarily muted. This is simply a matter of pushing a button on the device itself that controls the speakers.

Using additional equipment

There are so many options for those who are interested in enhancing their learning experience with technology. Some technology cost thousands while others are inexpensive and can offer a workaround for a number of common issues. We won’t cover the professional high end solutions.

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We’d be happy to schedule a meeting with anyone having difficulty. See you online.

More about the story of online learning at Coram Deo.