WebEx Webinar 101

Once you have decided to attend a webinar, these suggestions will help you plan for a successful event using the WebEx web conferencing software. 

Test your computer and telephone

· To ensure that you have a successful webinar, please set up and test the computer you will be using by following this link:  http://www.webex.com/lp/jointest/

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· The audio portion of the webinar will be delivered through your telephone. 

Using a telephone headset is preferable, otherwise try to use a speaker phone to free up your hands.

If you will be using an unfamiliar speaker phone or headset, ensure that you are familiar with its features.  Does your phone have a mute button?  Does your speaker phone also have a microphone, or must you use the handset to speak?  Can you replace the handset without disconnecting the call?

· The playback of UCF (Universal Communications Format) rich media files requires appropriate players. To view this type of rich media files in the meeting, please check whether you have the players installed on your computer by going to: https://oclc.webex.com/oclc/systemdiagnosis.php

Other suggestions for a successful webinar

As soon as you register:

· Save the date by placing the date and time on your calendar.

· To minimize interruptions, inform your colleagues of the date and time that you will be participating in the webinar.

· Make sure you have a space where you have both a computer and a telephone headset or a speaker phone, and where you can listen and talk without disturbing others.

· Think about the topic and the top five things you want to get out of the session. Write five questions – in order of importance to you – that will help you to get you those things that you want.

When you get the workshop login information email:

· Verify the date and time on your calendar.

· If they are not already there, add the instructions "To join the online meeting" to your calendar so that you can find them easily

· If handouts are provided, download them and print them or have them available on your computer in preparation for the course.

The day of the webinar:

· If handouts were provided, have them readily available.

· Have a notepad and pen nearby.

· Have your lunch/snacks and drink readily available.

· Go to the restroom beforehand.

· About 30 minutes before the webinar start time log in.

· Put yourself in a receptive frame of mind – open to hearing new things but also ready to challenge assumptions.

During the Webinar

· Listen for the opening ground rules.  This will help you understand when to ask questions and how.

· Troubleshooting:  If your computer is not displaying the appropriate screens, you may need to clear your web browser’s cache.  If you are unsure how to do this, work with someone at your institution who can help with this.  If you have Internet Explorer version 7, you can do this by following these steps:

§ Tools > Internet Options

§ Under Browsing History, click Delete

§ Under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files

§ Close

§ OK

· Please don’t use your phone’s hold button, since all participants can hear your hold music.

· Take notes – of just the truly important details.

· Ask your questions promptly at the appropriate times.

· Follow up for clarification.

After the Webinar

· Fill out the evaluation survey promptly, to give us vitally important feedback

· Share your webinar experience with colleagues.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, please do not join the session.