3 Key Lessons from Virtual Conferencing

Last month I had the pleasure of representing YouSeeU at FantasTech, “the virtual conference for technology enhanced teaching and learning.”  FantasTech, sponsored by the J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Center for Distance Learning, is held in an AvayaLive Engage virtual environment.  Each individual “attending” the conference does so through the use of an avatar, almost as if you were inside a video game (think Guitar Hero, not Space Invaders).  The interaction within this environment, from professional and sociological perspectives, was as intriguing as it was educational.  Here are my Top 3 “take-aways” from this virtual experience:

3.  It is important to know that just because you work in Ed Tech and are confident in trying out new software, that virtual conference software is sophisticated and requires a little time for training prior to the minute you are expected to give a presentation.

2.  A virtual conference is significantly more personal than a webinar or conference call, but doesn’t have the same effect as a true conference where you really shake hands or enjoy a coffee break with your colleagues.

1.  Just like in real life work travel, it’s good to have at least three solid, smart casual outfits to put your avatar’s best foot forward, and if you’re presenting, a blazer is a must!

To see the YouSeeU presentation, “Skyrocketing the Level of Classroom Engagement-Residential, Hybrid or Distance,” watch the video below.