When planning for your online meeting, two roles are critical: the Facilitator and the Tech Assistant. The Facilitator is the one who will actually run the session, but the Tech Assistant is a critical role. The Tech Assistant ensures all the people can log on and is present in the meeting, monitoring the technology and addressing any tech or logistics issues as they arise.
Sometimes in smaller meetings these roles are combined into one.
Role of the Facilitator
- Guides the session overall.
- Develops the agenda and the curriculum for the session.
- Sets the ground rules and ensure safety of the participants.
Role of the Tech Assistant
- Monitors for technical issues.
- Assists participants in getting online.
- Provides a phone number for participants to call and get support.
- Manages the assignment and use of breakout rooms, used for small group work
- Monitors the chat for questions and flag to facilitator.
- Starts/stops the recording if there will be one.
Role of an ASL Interpreter
- Even for small meetings, it is a best practice to have an ASL interpreter at your meeting even if you do not have deaf participants.
- This is to assist in ensuring an equitable meeting for all. Usually, you will need two.
- Typically, have your interpreters log on 15-20 minutes before your online session and check that everything is OK.
