Online Classes and Meetings: How to Be Successful

Whether it be virtual classrooms for school or online meetings for your job or internship, it is likely that you are somehow involved with online communication. When Covid-19 forced many people to work from home or attend classes from their computer, lots of us had to adapt to online platforms like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or even FaceTime. This new form of gathering and communal work brings challenges that many aren’t used to facing. How can you be successful when it comes to online classes or meetings?

I was homeschooled all of my elementary and high school years. For high school, I attended a virtual private school. All of my classes were attended via my computer through a virtual meeting platform. At the time, I had no idea my experience with online classes could become beneficial later in life. Now in college, I frequently use my computer to gather for classes, meetings with professors, and even work virtually. Over the years, these are the tips and tricks I’ve found to be incredibly helpful.

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1. Know the Intentions/Goals

One of the first steps to being successful in online situations is knowing what is expected of you or what you need to get out of the meeting. For instance, some school classes are going to require participation over the microphone or in the chat. Having that understanding, you can better prepare yourself for the online class session.

For work meetings or other online gatherings, it’s helpful to know your goal. What is the purpose of the meeting? Do you have questions you need answers to? Do you have anything you need to be reviewed? Will you be collaborating with anyone on a project?

Knowing your goals and intentions for virtual meetings or classes is extremely helpful. Likewise, preparing yourself for the time is crucial to success.

2. Take It Seriously

Secondly, it is imperative that virtual meetings or classes are taken seriously. What I mean by that is this: Don’t mentally disengage simply because it’s not in person. I can’t tell you how many times I showed up to “class” after rolling out of bed and opening my computer. Oh and clothing? Hehehehehe. My clothing choices were questionable. For instance, I would wear pajama or sweat pants and either a t-shirt or sweatshirt. At the time, comfort was key.

Now, I’m not saying sweatpants don’t have their place in our schedules. I absolutely still wear them some days. But you know what I’ve found? If I get ready for the day, wear normal clothes and do my hair, I do much better online. I take it seriously and treat virtual meetings as if I was actually meeting in person. In other words, I do the same things I would do for normal classes even if I’m meeting over my computer.

In addition, I do my very best to remain mentally engaged. However, I will admit to it being much more difficult to be engaged online. Knowing this, I will set myself up for success by minimizing distractions, staying on task, and turning my camera on. This leads me to my next point about set up.

3. Have a Solid Online Setup

Thirdly, a great way to succeed virtually is to have a good setup. I remember when I was first introducing my grandparents or parents to video chats. The amount of times I stared at the bottom of their chins was comical. We don’t want to see up your nose!

Angles are important, especially when it comes to using your computer camera. Most laptops have a built-in camera, but if yours does not, be sure to get one! Being able to connect via your camera is sometimes essential and almost always beneficial. Also, putting your computer at the right level helps with camera angles.

I find this stand super helpful as it props up my computer and is adjustable to different settings.

If you decide to elevate your laptop, it’s also helpful to have a keyboard and mouse that are closer to your hands. I think this has been the best because it helps my posture! I’ll link the products I use with my MacBook Pro below. These are Apple products and are more expensive, but the investment is worth it! There are also other bluetooth style products on Amazon.

No peeking! (Online or otherwise)

Lastly, the product I have most recently purchased helps protect privacy. I am somewhat paranoid of my computer camera being turned on without my knowledge. Or worse, having someone hack my computer camera. So, to help alleviate that fear, I ordered a camera cover. It allows me to still use my computer camera whenever I want to, but also cover it when not in use. Yay for online privacy right?

This pack comes with two ultra thin covers. I can still close my laptop completely and it blends right in! Trust me, the peace of mind is worth it! Now, when I’m eating in class, I can make sure my camera doesn’t reveal me. *wink*

“Hey, what’s that behind you?”

Another key to your online setup is your background. Prepare your space before a meeting by being in a quiet room/space. Limiting distractions in your background can make your video/camera footage more professional too. Likewise, making sure you have light in front of your face- ie. shining on you- is much better than light shining from behind your head!

Additionally, letting others in your space know you are getting on a virtual call is beneficial. This prevents them from walking behind you or being in your camera’s view while you’re online. That is, unless they’re trying to prank you. In which case, I wish you the best of luck!

4. “Um.. I think your mic is on….?”

The amount of times I think my microphone is off but in reality it’s on is more than I can count. Nothing is more embarrassing that thinking it’s off and saying or doing something revealing and have the whole class hear it. A trick is to keep an eye on your microphone button or icon. Even if you think it’s off, double check before making any noise.

Keep in mind that some times, in certain online meeting platforms, clicking specific keys on your keyboard can turn on your microphone. Knowing which keys unmute your microphone is helpful. Or, adding the keyboard shortcut can be helpful too. That way, you can mute or unmute your mic quickly rather than trying to click somewhere on the screen.

Operating with Windows? Click here to learn about keyboard shortcuts for microphones.

How about a Mac? Click here for the same information.

“Can’t hear you!!” Speaking online…

After unmuting your mic, be sure to speak up! Sometimes talking through a computer doesn’t give great sound quality. Be sure to speak up, annunciate your words, and stay close to the computer. Often, if you are too far from the computer microphone, your voice won’t pick up as nicely.

Alternatively, you can use headphones with a built in microphone! I know AirPods have that and so do regular Apple headphones. Headphones with a microphone allows you to have more freedom in your movement. Likewise, the people on the other end of the screen can hear you better!

5. Give Yourself a Break From Time Online

Lastly and probably most importantly is to give yourself frequent breaks. My dad has been meeting virtually for months now and is often on video calls all day. The hours spent in front of a computer can put serious strain on your brain and body. It also can take more mental and emotional energy to engage online. So, stand up every so often. Walk away from the computer and get a breath of fresh air.

Eye strain? Purchase some blue light blocking glasses or see if your glasses can have the tint added. This is something I have with my glasses and it makes a huge difference. I notice when I don’t wear them because my eyes feel tired and itchy after hours on my computer.

Engaging with virtual classes or meetings can take a toll on your mind. It’s hard when we are used to human connection to switch to something more inhuman. Screens unfortunately are not the same as being with others in person. Taking frequent breaks and giving yourself time to rest and recharge is hugely helpful.

Do you find yourself getting weary after online meetings? Are you worn out after using Zoom to connect with people? How is your mental health faring as a result? If you want some quick and easy tips on how to improve your mental health right now, click this blog post here.

All in all….

So, let’s review. In truth, these concepts on their own are pretty simple. Checking your microphone and elevating your laptop may seem meaningless. How often do we even think to set goals or intentions before we meet virtually? How long do we sit in front of the computer without standing up for a little bit?

When put into practice, these five tips and tricks will help you be successful in your online meetings or classes. Unfortunately, with the state of our world being as it is, it is unlikely that our circumstances will change anytime soon. Instead of fighting the process, learning to improve ourselves and our interactions with technology can be really helpful in the long run.

I’d encourage you to try some or all of these things the next time you have a virtual engagement. Take the time to invest in yourself and help yourself be more successful with these easy tips! You can do it! Working online doesn’t have to be a scary or intimidating process if you learn how to prepare yourself. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it!

Hugs,