Video Conferencing Replacing In Person Meetings
We can all agree the world has begun to look very different the past few weeks, especially if you live in the United States. Employees, school children, and grandparents are all relying heavily on tools remote workers have been using for years to stay connected.
Video conferencing has seen a significant uptick in the recent weeks. Since I’ve been working remotely for years now, I’ve answered a multitude of questions from friends and family on how to use video conferencing. From online lessons offered by schools to video conferencing for business to exercise classes, it seems everyone is using a screen.
Get Face to Face While Staying 6 Feet Away
So you’re practicing social distancing, but you still need to connect with family, friends, and co-workers. Video conferencing platforms are a great way to stay interconnected. FaceTime and Skype have been utilized by the consumer market for years now, but video conferencing platforms like Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Google Hangouts Meet are breaking into the consumer arena. With video conferencing, your kids can check in with their teachers while you are able to connect with grandma.
Many platforms support multiple users all in the chat window at once. Are your kids missing their friends? Set them up with a video conference, build a blanket fort, and let them have a virtual sleepover or camp out. (My own child did this last week, so clever!) You can also get the family together to play a game or just catch up.
What To Keep In Mind
There are many video conferencing platforms out there. Most are free to consumers. They work great, so no need to buy the professional package unless you’re now working remotely. Make sure you do research on the features or take a quick online tutorial before scheduling a meeting or hangout.
As with any technology that’s new to you, make sure to keep yourself safe with a great antivirus product (application whitelisting is the way to go!) In addition, you’ll want to educate your family on accepting requests from people they don’t know.
Finally, make sure to keep your personal data safe. Don’t give out information in a video chat you wouldn’t normally give out. It wouldn’t hurt to beef up your security. (Did you read our post on VPNs?)
It looks like this is our new normal for awhile, so keep yourself connected and remember to stay safe!
