Thank you so much for participating in one of our Virtual Meetings! We always want our participants to have the best experience, so here are some helpful tips for setting up the webinar program and your learning space.

What is a Virtual Meeting:
A Virtual Meeting is an interactive web-based meeting (structurally similar to in-person meetings) where all participants are able to actively participate and be seen by others (if they choose). You are not required to be on video, but you do need to be in front of a computer or phone that allows you to the screen as the facilitator may be sharing slides, charts, and resources. You should also be able to engage in the conversation, ask questions, and offer feedback. You can do this either through your phone or your computer’s microphone and speakers.

Things you will need for Virtual Meeting participation:

1. Strong internet connection
2. A phone and/or computer that gives you the ability to connect to the Zoom Virtual Meeting. If you have a smartphone you can also download the Zoom Meeting app from the App store and participate through the app.
3. A quiet space, free of distractions.
4. Pen & paper, if you are a note taker.

How to connect to a Virtual Meeting

1. When you registered for one of our Virtual Meetings, you should have received a confirmation email, which contained the Virtual Meeting link. If you cannot find the link or have misplaced it contact us at registration@acail.org
2. If this is your first time using Zoom Virtual Meetings, please allow 15-20 minutes before the start of the meeting to set up. This also gives you time to become familiar with the program and get help from instructors and staff if needed.
3. Click on this link to watch the information video created by Zoom Meetings, https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-

If you have more questions, or are having trouble connecting you please contact ACA Illinois Staff at 312-332-0833 x 2 OR use the Zoom Meeting FAQ as a resource.

Pro-Tips for Zoom Virtual Meetings

1. Test your connection. Familiarize yourself with the video-teleconferencing software before the meeting. Click on this link to watch the information video created by Zoom Meetings, https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-
2. Headset & Webcam.  Headset/headphones with a microphone cut down on background noise and echoing, they also make your voice come in clear and a webcam is great so your face can be seen by attendees and instructors.
3. Strong connection. Choose a location with the best possible Internet connection—a slow connection on your end can erode the experience for everyone.
4. Sit Up Straight. We not only want you to be engaged, but also take care of yourself! Sometimes these can be long meetings, so take care of your body!
5. Take the meeting seriously. Overall, treat it like a meeting where you are all attending together in a physical space. This means putting yourself in an office setting (at work or home), even dressing up a bit so that it feels more formal (like a meeting). Shut down your other activities and be there—maintain presence of mind and attendance.
6. Mute your mic. Know how to mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Background noise and small sounds will be amplified by the microphone and are very distracting. Examples: sipping water, coughing, pets, children, shifting or taking off the headphones, will be louder than one thinks.
7. Background. Choose a seating location that is not heavily backlit or cluttered.
8. Leaving well. If you must leave the meeting for some reason, let the group know that you will be leaving at the beginning of the meeting, and if applicable, when you will be back. When it is time for you to leave, simply sign off as to not overly disturb any current discussions. This will help with organizing discussions in which you may play an integral role.