Virtual events Archives - Page 6 of 6

Virtual notes doc(ument)

A shared Google doc, Etherpad, or similar document in which event participants can take notes, ask questions, or participate in scaffolded activities. Virtual notes docs may also serve as minutes for your event.

Citation: Center for Scientific Collaboration and Community Engagement. (2022) CSCCE Glossary: Virtual Events. Pratt, Woodley, Ainsworth, Carter, Crall, Elkins, Gauthier, Ihle, Kornahrens, Martinic, Santistevan, Shaikh, Sidik, and Wyatt doi: 10.5281/zenodo.6608609

Watch party

An in-person gathering where participants meet at a local venue to connect to a virtual or hybrid event. Such gatherings might be an official part of the event, or ad hoc happenings convened by participants.

See also: Satellite events

Webinar

A lecture or panel-based instructional event held virtually, where the primary goal is to convey information to participants.

Workshop

An interactive event that incorporates activities, worksheets, or other supporting technology to guide participants through a process or to create a final product.

Wrapper

An event platform that curates multiple others into a single “home” for your event. For example, if you are using Zoom for video conferencing, Google docs for shared notes, and SpatialChat for networking, a wrapper will give you a single domain from which participants can access all of these services, helping with navigation and discoverability.

Example: Qiqochat

Zoom bombing

Zoom bombing is when a bad actor joins your meeting and disrupts the proceedings in some way. Preventative measures such as a waiting room, passcode, or requiring participants to log into their Zoom account to join the event can help to prevent Zoom bombers from interrupting your meeting. Create a contingency plan for what you will do in the event of a Zoom bomber, such as creating backup shared notes docs and Zoom meeting links.

Further reading: CSCCE Tech Tip Sheet – Zoom bombing: How to deal with bad actors during Zoom events

Zoom fatigue

The all-too-familiar feeling of not wanting to join yet another virtual event. This phenomenon has become more prevalent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global shift to more virtual gatherings. Be considerate of Zoom fatigue in your participants by offering plenty of breaks, suggesting they turn of their cameras from time to time, or providing instructions on how to access the event from a mobile device so that they can go for a walk while still participating.

Accessibility statement / guidelines

A statement developed by the host and/or planning committee to highlight their commitment to making the event accessible and explain how they plan to achieve this goal.

Example: RSECon2022’s accessibility statement

Accessibility

The concept of whether a product, service, or space can be used by as broad an audience as possible, which differs from general usability by focusing on providing an equivalent user experience to people with disabilities. Factors that make up accessibility include visual, auditory, and mobility components, and the ability of a product, service, or space to interface or be used with assistive technology (such as a screen reader or mobility aids).

Citation: Center for Scientific Collaboration and Community Engagement. (2021) CSCCE Glossary: Inclusive Language in Community Building. Woodley, Pratt, Bakker, Bertipaglia, Dow, El Zein, Kuwana, Lower, Roca, and Santistevan doi: 10.5281/zenodo.5718783

Specifically, when thinking about virtual environments, accessibility considerations include providing closed captioning and/or subtitles, ensuring the platforms you use are screen reader compatible, offering asynchronous content, and ensuring participants have multiple ways that they can take part (e.g., text-based messaging and opportunities to connect one-on-one or in small groups).

Further reading: Ensuring Virtual Events are Accessible for All, by RespectAbility: Lauren Appelbaum and Eric Ascher