Whether you’re in lockdown, self-isolating or maintaining social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to not only keep in touch with family and friends, but to continue work, education and other activities where possible. We have so much technology available the only problem is what to use, particularly when you want to see and interact with the other people you’re talking to. We’re all familiar with Facetime and Skype, which are easy to use and great for personal contacts. For meetings, training and education, there are many video meeting and conferencing apps to choose from. Some are free or offer free trials while others charge on a monthly basis depending on the level of service you want. PC News recently reviewed a range of video meeting / conferencing apps and their three Editors’ Choice are:
- Cisco Webex Meetings
- ClickMeeting
- Zoom Meeting
Earlier this week I had my first piano lesson using Zoom Meeting (a free App for <50 users) and it worked brilliantly. My teacher, Geralyn, was in one of the studios at PowerPoint Music Centre in Bowral and I was at home in my lounge room. Before the lesson I texted Geralyn the pages of the piece I’m currently working on and I positioned my iPad (can also use my phone) on a stand so that she would have a clear view of me at the piano with good audio as well. The quality of the video and audio was excellent, and at no time during the half-hour lesson did the connection drop out, which happens to me on a regular basis with Facetime and Skype. I could also stay in comfortable clothes and I didn’t have to drive. Yay!
I’m looking forward to my next lesson and wondering how else I can use video meeting apps and other technology to help stay in touch and maintain other activities.