Tags: video conference

How Can I Contact You?

I can be reached via any of several modalities … email, voice or your choice of video conference platforms, Zoom, Skype, Teams or Slack. As a general rule, I am available if I am online. If you are already enrolled in one of my courses then DM me in Teams or Slack (for DT&L) and I will respond. I will try to reply to email and voice messages as soon as possible but certainly no more than 24 hours after receipt. If you prefer a video conference (and who doesn’t?) please ping me with some convenient days/times and we’ll set it up.

So, you ask, what are the variety of contact points where you can reach me? You can reach me by email (john DOT shannon AT shu DOT edu), Skype (shannojh) or Twitter. Please DM me in Teams if you are already enrolled in one of my courses.

When communicating with me please include the following information: your name, the question or issue to be resolved, your course/section and any other necessary information.

In the event that encrypted communications are necessary I can be reached via email at jhs AT jhshannon DOT net, PGP: 3989ae5a3c24aa2e01829377485f035f386c5bfd.

What Protocols Should We Follow For Online Meetings And Classes?

While participating in video-based class meetings or conferences, eg, office hours, please observe these few guidelines:
  • Familiarize yourself with your device so you feel comfortable operating it.
  • Familiarize yourself with the video platform that will support your meeting. While most platforms share common features/functions, most will approach those features/functions with different command structures.
  • Be certain that your webcam, microphone and speakers are working properly.
  • Always leave your webcam on so all participants can see you. While working together using a digital platform, e.g., Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc. it is important that you join the session with a live camera and muted mic. A live camera helps to create a sense of community and will help all of us to engage effectively during our discussions. If you only unmute your mic when speaking we can avoid feedback, unsolicited input from family, pets and others as well as any random noise.
  • Be certain that the lighting and sound in your location support a video conference, that is, minimize the impact of overhead lights and/or reflections in the camera’s view and the room acoustics minimize echo.
  • Be certain to use earbuds when active in the video conference to minimize the feedback loop that manifests on some laptops.
  • Remember that available bandwidth may result in a slight delay between the time an individual speaks and the time you hear the statement. Please allow others to finish before you answer. Also, when you finish speaking, pause to allow others to comment.
  • Keep your system on mute unless you are speaking. We will be in a voice-activated video conference so the primary camera shot will follow the sound. Just remember to unmute your microphone before you begin speaking.
  • As a courtesy, please state your name before speaking.
  • Always remember to RSVP to a meeting invitation and confirm your availability. Your RSVP will help your meeting organizer to manage the meeting properly and will appreciate your courtesy.
  • Join your meeting five minutes early so that you can be certain that you have addressed all of the above issues.
  • And, finally, always assume you are on camera, even when not speaking.