DEALING WITH WEBINAR DIFFICULTIES

Lesson content 1. Introduction2. Broken line3. Web camera/ear phones4. Configuration5. Sound6. Power outage7. Summary / good practices & tips

• Feedback after the training• Survey • Discussion & FAQs

Introduction

A successful webinar needs:• a good and interesting TOPIC• an entertaining TRAINER and • functioning TECHNICAL environment

Technical environment • most difficult to assure

• issues that might happen + possible work-arounds / solutions

Line broken

Two different types of internet connection • assure that the transmission

will be available through at least one of the transmission channels

In general however, if a problem with wired connection occurs, it is a problem with the server, normally not the line itself.

Even though a wired connection is preferred, there are continuously newer and faster types of wireless connections developed.

Web camera/ear phones broken or not functioning

Planning but also flexibility and preparedness are among the most crucial steps and features when organizing a webinar!

Trainer should always have his “trainer suitcase” with him, • spare ear phones or web

cameras. • presence of a technical

support person advisable

Good knowledge of the right configuration of hardware

• some of the technical problems might be caused by improper computer settings.

Configuration problems

• can result in:device conflict (there are more programs trying to access the same device)

slowdown of PC performance (some antivirus systems can either block desired ports or destroy them).

The technical support person should communicate the basic settings and rules to the participants before the webinar starts.

• important to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, to ensure a smooth delivery process.

• can hinder the delivery of the training content

• can lead to very bad and discouraging final evaluation

IMPROPER SETTINGS

Sound problems

• basic issues with improper volume settings - switch off all audio effects!

• avoid unwanted echo - annoying participants may quit the webinar early

• help minimizing background noises such as cell phones, office noise, radio etc.

We recommend you to never use speaker instead we prefer to use high quality headphones

Power outage

Unwanted disruption of the training process Time of participants or remote lecturers is scarce

Try to connect to partiipants through mobile phones in the event of a power outage!

Short power outages

• could be easily overcome by teamwork, quizzes (printed out beforehand) or discussion • only applicable if the trainer and participants are in the same room

You never know how long a power outage is going to last

9

Good practices and tips During the creation of the training session

GOLDEN RULE

Be always prepared :

Have some emergency scenarios at hand!

Think well ahead!

What issues might appear? How would I solve them?

Do not neglect the preparation.

Do you have personal experiences with trainings where something broke down? Write down the respective cases and reactions of those trainers. What was their solution?

At the beginning of the session GOLDEN RULE

Always check the proper configuration and settings with the participants!

If you are renting the equipment check if the wires are not broken or damaged.

Check with the provider of the internet connection if there is not a temporary outage or slowdown.

Discussion & FAQs

What would be your advice?Are there some issues we did not mention yet?