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Help for Hosts

HOST CHECKLIST

A. Before Convention
  1. Update your Zoom software to the newest version possible! Go to https://zoom.us/download2 and download the newest “Zoom Client for Meetings”.
  2. Test your internet connection by using the self-serve Zoom testing tool: https://zoom.us/test. When in the Zoom room, you'll be alone. To test your speakers and microphone, select the arrow beside the "MUTE" button (microphone icon) and select "Test Speaker & Microphone". Follow the steps provided.
  3. DO NOT use the Sched app that you find in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app version of Sched is very limited. Instead, go to https://sabtc2022.sched.com using your smartphone, tablet or computer's browser.
  4. Login to https://sabtc2022.sched.com and make sure you have added the session that you’re hosting to your personal schedule in Sched. (Click the little circle beside the session. All other session in this time block will become greyed out).
  5. Click on the session and scroll down to the speaker name(s) to find their bios.
  6. Two days before convention, you will receive an email that includes: the Zoom link for the session you are hosting and email addresses for the speaker(s).
  7. Please send a quick introductory email to the speaker(s). Ask them if the bio(s) they have in Sched is how they would like to be introduced and invite them to provide you with a shorter/longer alternative, if they’d like. If the speakers have any questions that you can’t answer, please pass them on to christine.perreaux@swatca.ca
  8. Watch this short 6 minute YouTube video to better understand your role as the host. (Please note that in the video, the term "moderator" is used instead of "host" and "Zoom host" is used instead of "Zoom operator")
  9. If you'd like, you can sign-up for an optional Zoom rehearsal with Danny Maas at the ATA through the following link: https://calendly.com/ata-conventions


B. 15-20 Minutes Before the Session Start Time
  1. There is only 15 minutes before the end of one block of sessions and the start of the next sessions. Please make sure you leave whatever session that you are in slightly before the end time so you can join the session that you will be hosting.
  2. Use the Zoom link that was emailed to you or choose the session in Sched and click the yellow “Open Zoom” button underneath the session title. You may have to wait in the Waiting Room until the Operator starts the session.
  3. Once you’re admitted into the Zoom room, click on the Participants menu and hover over your name. Click on the blue “More” button and choose “Rename” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Rename yourself so the word “Host” precedes your name (e.g. “Host – Jimmy”). This will help the Operator find you in the participant list.
  5. The Operator’s name will be at the top of the Participants menu. They will be named something like “Encore - Dave".
  6. If you can unmute your microphone and turn your camera on, introduce yourself to the Operator and ask to be promoted to a “co-host” in Zoom. This will give you additional abilities.
  7. If you can’t unmute your microphone or turn your camera on, open the Chat window and send a message to the Operator asking for them to promote you to a “co-host”.
  8. Once the speaker(s) are in the room, introduce yourself. Ask how they would like to be introduced and make sure that you know how to pronounce their name(s).
  9. Ask the speaker(s) how they would like to handle questions from the participants.
    1. Would they like you to watch the chat and stop them when there are questions?
    2. Would they like participants to raise their hands to ask questions?
    3. Would they like to have participants simply unmute themselves to ask questions?
    4. Would they like to save all questions until the end?
  10. Let the speaker(s) know that you will give them a 10 minute and 5 minute warning before the session ends and remind them that the session must end on time.
  11. Allow time for the speaker(s) to work with the Operator to ensure they can share their screens, use breakout rooms, etc. *Ask the speaker(s) if they have any slides with sound or videos to share and ensure that they test these with the Operator to make sure the sound plays for the participants*

C. During the Session
  1. Promptly at the scheduled start time, Introduce the speaker(s) and explain how they’d like questions to be handled (unless the speaker(s) say that they are going to do this themselves).
  2. Remind the participants to mute their microphones when they are not talking. (If they fail to do so, you can turn their mics on and off by hovering over their names in the Participant menu.)
  3. Introduce the Operator and tell the participants that, if they have any technical issues during the session, that they can contact the Operator through the chat or they can email the Help Desk. The email for the Help Desk is at the top of the https://sabtc2022.sched.com homepage.
  4. Once the presentation is underway, monitor the chat (if asked to do so) and participate! This is professional development for you too!
  5. Although it’s not likely to happen, if you notice any inappropriate or unprofessional comments in the chat, please email the Operator and ask for them to remove that participant.
  6. 10 minutes before the session end time, send a chat message to the everyone that says there is only 10 minutes left.
  7. 5 minutes before the session end time, send a chat message to everyone that says the session will end in 5 minutes.
  8. No matter what, the Operator will end the session at the scheduled end time. If the speaker(s) are still going when there is 2 minutes until the scheduled end time, please unmute yourself and politely interrupt them with the message, “Unfortunately, we need to bring this session to a close.”
  9. Thank the speaker(s) for their presentation. If possible, acknowledge 1-2 things that you found informative, helpful, or interesting from their session.
  10. Invite the speaker(s) to type their email addresses in the chat so participants can contact them with any questions they might have.
  11. Encourage the participants to fill out a session feedback form in Sched. These will appear at the top of each session screen 5 minutes before the session starts. It is a simple form with a smiley face rating scale and a comment box. Remind participants that there will be over $1000 of raffle prizes for teachers who provide session feedback.
  12. Thank the Operator and the participants for their time and wish everybody a good rest of convention or weekend.
  13. All sessions will be recorded and will be posted to Sched for 1 month. Recordings will be posted within 48 hours of convention.


D. SLOW/UNSTABLE INTERNET?
  1. Turn off your camera. Streaming two-way video takes a lot of bandwidth. If people start to freeze or sound like they’re under the sea, turn your camera off.
  2. Shut down the competition. Where are your kids/partners/roommates? Are they gaming or streaming video? Is your Roomba vacuuming? Turn off as many WIFI-stealing devices as you can.
  3. Move your modem. Try to position your modem so it is away from walls and is located centrally in your home. If you can’t move your modem, move yourself so you are located more closely to it.
  4. Change networks. Many modern modems create both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks. The 5.0 GHz network is usually faster, but the 2.4 GHz network has better range. Change which network you are connected to in your WIFI settings.
  5. Connect via ethernet. Connect your device to one of the ethernet ports on the back of your modem using a blue or yellow cable. You may need an adaptor/dongle to connect to ethernet.

  • Timezone Southern Alberta Teachers' Convention 2021
    America/Edmonton
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