Thing 15: Video chat/webinars

Skype, Facetime and Zoom are great ways for people to connect with loved ones or in a professional manner.  

Before completing this ‘thing’ I have used both Skype and Facetime. I had a good experience from both of these platforms. I have used both Wi-Fi and a mobile phone network to get connected. I used to use Skype to keep in contact with friends around the world. I have since started using ‘Zoom’ to contact friends during the Pandemic.  

To support my learning, I have used Video Chat Platform Microsoft Teams, I have participated in training sessions and team meetings using this platform. This supports my learning as I am able to complete training although we are currently unable to complete face-to-face training. I also can be kept up to date with new information being able to attend a team meeting online.  

We are currently looking at options to be able to support people who use our service to stay in contact with one another using one of these platforms, during a re-deployment I supported a resident in a care home call their family and the outcome was fantastic, this resident was so grateful that they could have contact with their family although they could not visit in person.  

It was such a positive experience.  

Before completing this ‘thing’ I had never heard of Google Hangouts. I was interested to read that you can send text messages and video chat with people through this. It has many features and even allows you to broadcast so others can watch. I have downloaded the app and sent some invites to others to try. This technology could be used in a work setting to hold conference calls, team meetings or training sessions especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I feel that this will be a useful tool to also carry forward into the future and continue to use –especially for training sessions so people do not have to travel to attend.  

After completing this ‘thing’ I also learned what a ‘webinar’ is and how this can be effective for personal or professional development. I am aware that these webinars can be organised to run throughout the year and now have a link to join some for the SSSC if more go ahead. I think it’s good being able to watch the webinars back and listen again after they take place. This is a good way to ensure you are confident in what's being said. I have not taken part in a webinar yet.  

Video chatting has benefits to communicating in comparison to other ways of communication. For example, a demonstration might need shown – this would not be possible through phone call or email. If an individual finds communication through lip reading more effective a video call may be a more favourable way for them. The negatives to using video calls are that people may not have the technology to be able to participate, not everyone has a smart phone and laptop. You have to be careful that not just anyone can join meetings without a passcode or invitation. People may need help in accessing this platform and may not understand how It works, to allow some people who use our service we may need to take training sessions on how to use the programmes.  

Teneo et teneor, 

Hannah.