During the current pandemic, the central government and institutions in the regions issued various appeals, regulations, and policies to the public throughout Indonesia related to health protocols in an effort to reduce the level of COVID-19 sufferers. The policy given is to eliminate face-to-face learning activities, which are then replaced by create event online. With online learning activities, teachers (facilitators) can monitor and provide training materials and online seminars to participants or employees who take part in human resource development programs to improve their competencies within the company. In this online seminar, it is likened to a meeting or face-to-face meeting using internet media which is attended by many people who are in different locations. With this media, facilitators and participants can interact with each other using the tools provided in special software or applications, which can be in the form of videos or chat messages.
Of course, this kind of situation is still relatively new for most people to do distance learning face-to-face using a monitor screen or gadget. So that the current conditions, there are still many teachers or facilitators who are still having difficulties and have not fully mastered the techniques for online teaching, have not prepared complete tools for online teaching, and others. So that it becomes an obstacle in teaching online. However, this can be an opportunity for facilitators and innovations in online teaching.
Before holding learning through online seminars, of course, there are several things that need to be prepared and known, namely an explanation of the tools needed, benefits and also tips before attending an online seminar. So that after successfully completing this program, participants will be able to:
Knowing online teaching techniques
Knowing how to deliver interesting material (delivery) online
Increase confidence in online teaching
Using interesting tools when teaching online
Broadly speaking, the tools needed in conducting online learning are as follows:
1. Computer or laptop
Of course this device is very important, without a computer or laptop online seminars certainly will not be able to run. Use a computer or laptop that has minimal specification support when running web conferencing software or online meeting tools.
2. Webcam, microphone and speaker
If you use a laptop device, of course these three devices are not needed, because laptops are now equipped with these devices. Unlike the case with the use of computers, of course, these three tools must be added. The use of laptops or computers for presentation purposes should still be checked for quality and layout to place the camera so that the eye can see and the microphone according to the volume so that it is comfortable when used in online learning.
3. Room and background
In order to give a pleasant and interesting impression so that participants in online seminars are comfortable when looking at their monitor screens, they can be presented with a neatly arranged room display or a display that is in accordance with the material to be delivered. It can also be done by using a visual identity background related to the facilitating institution to make it look more professional. Regarding the room, good lighting is needed. Likewise, if the face of the facilitator can be seen well, do not turn your back to the lighting, position the light source in front of the facilitator.
4. Internet network
With an internet network that has stability, good speed and large bandwidth, it certainly affects the comfort in conveying messages in online seminars. Otherwise it will interfere with the performance in teaching and the message received by the participants will be distorted.
5. Browser (web browser)
A browser is a software or application on a computer or smartphone that serves to receive information on the internet network or the world wide web. Usually the gadget is installed by default, the most used are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera or Microsoft Edge.
6. Email
Useful for creating web conferencing software accounts or online meeting tools. It can also be used to confirm registration or registration for online seminars via participant email, so please use an active email address.
7. Web conferencing software and online meeting tools
The most widely used applications in online seminars are Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom, but it is possible to use other applications. Be sure to study its features before using it in seminars, trials or simulations can be done with your closest colleagues. This application has features that can be tailored to your needs, but usually will incur additional fees for features that have more capable functions.
