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SSSC 23 Things Digital – Thing 15: Video chat and webinars

In practice, I hadn't used any form of video chat until the COVID-19 closure. We started using ZOOM to hold staff meetings however due to security concerns that anyone could access these meetings, our authority put a ban on ZOOM being used by staff. Instead I have been using the Microsoft Teams video chat available through my GLOW login. This is a much more secure platform as staff need to use their GLOW logins to access Microsoft Teams. 

I have found using video chat very easy and very useful to get the same information across to staff at the same time without us being able to be together. I also found it useful that you can record the chat and then staff can look at it again if they feel they need to refresh themselves. As an authority, we were also using these to conduct team around the child meetings which were essential to continue to share information and provide support to children and families. 

I have also used webinars to participate in my university lectures as I haven't been able to attend in person due to COVID-19 closures. Again, these being recorded has meant I've been able to go back and watch again if there was something I missed. It also feels more personal if you can see the person and participate real time instead of watching a pre-recorded video on YouTube or reading a PowerPoint. 

I feel from using video chat, I wouldn't want to use this as another means of communicating with parents/staff however it has been beneficial during the COVID-19 closure and it is reassuring to know I have this means of communication if needed. 

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