CONFERENCING TIPS
1.Have a list of numbers handy for troubleshooting. Numbers needed are school tech coordinator, system tech coordinator, T2 Technical Support (for help with Polycom problems)
2.When sending a class, it is helpful to have IP addresses of the sites to be called
3.Set your camera presets before the call so that they can be quickly accessed during the call.
4.Have all needed materials ready for use and all peripherals (computer, document camera, and/or VCR/DVD) to be used on and ready. If possible, test the equipment with your content beforehand.
5.Avoid wearing bright colors, all light or all dark clothing or very busy patterns. Light pastels and muted colors look the best on the screen. Also avoid wearing noisy jewelry.
6.Close any drapes or blinds in the room as daylight is a variable light source and can conflict with interior room lighting.
7.Talk to both sides about noise during the call. The microphones are sensitive and can pick up side conversations or whispers easily. All noises are amplified and paper crumbling can sound like a volcano!
8.Speak normally as the microphones will pick up your voice. If you are a fast talker, you may need to speak slower and clearer.
9.Since each side’s volume acts independently, ask the students at the far site if they can hear you. Have them introduce themselves so that you can be sure you can hear them.
10.If in a multipoint call, it is sometimes helpful to have the receiving sites (far sites) mute their microphones while teaching or giving notes.
9