Best Practices for Engaging Users in a Web Conferencing Environment

This paper reports on best practices for engaging individuals and groups in a web conferencing environment, and translating active learning techniques and exercises to synchronous online learning. The best practices are arranged into: 1) introducing and orienting; 2) informing; 3) active learning and feedback; 4) humanizing the environment; and 5) closing and follow-up. The authors describe the development and delivery of information literacy webinars on impact measurements that attempt to create and maintain an engaging environment using Adobe Connect, rather than relying solely on lectures and discussions. This paper examines additional ways in which web conferencing software is being used to offer library services, such as connecting people with experts, providing spaces for social interactions, virtual office hours, information skills sessions, research assistance, and professional development for librarians.