1. What is your biggest challenge with online meetings during lockdown?

I sometimes get the impression that online meetings are not taken seriously, as compared to face-to-face meetings at the office. I mean, you don’t normally show up in your pyjamas and don’t lie on your bed! If you really want to do this, at least switch off your video feed.

2. What do you enjoy the most about online meetings?

I like the easy access associated with online meetings. You can literally meet up with your colleagues anywhere and any time. I also like the fact that minutes, agendas and presentations can be uploaded to one central place and be accessible to all.

3.  If you had a choice, would you prefer online or face-to-face meetings?

I prefer online meetings. It saves time and it is easier to get people together for an online meeting than with face-to-face meetings.

1. What is your biggest challenge with online meetings during lockdown?

Online meetings are not a new concept since we have been meeting with colleagues in cross-campus subject groups and schools using this platform for the past three years. We have however been spoiled with the speed of the internet connection on campus. Thus, my greatest challenge and frustration with online meetings has been connectivity – screens freezing, stuttering sound and the little reconnecting wheel going round and round ....

2. What do you enjoy the most about online meetings?

I like the fact that we are probably equally uncomfortable with this method. I also enjoy the humour in forgetting to mute the microphone while your dogs are taking part in the local neighbourhood barking challenge, or having granny shuffling past in the background and of course watching the Covid-19 hairstyles (when people do not switch their cameras off in time).

The best thing for me is being able to have contact with my postgraduate students through our weekly Zoom journal club.

3.  If you had a choice, would you prefer online or face-to-face meetings?

Definitely face-to-face meetings. Being able to look one another in the eye and read the body language is important for creating an environment where meaningful discussions can take place.

1. What is your biggest challenge with online meetings during lockdown?

A big challenge is occasional unstable Wifi which distorts sound, making it difficult to follow discussions. I also get anxious when I am logged off during meetings, not knowing if I can log in again, and am nervous about power failures.

2. What do you enjoy the most about online meetings?

I am glad that despite the lockdown we are able to have meetings and continue university business. Another benefit is increased productivity – besides saving travel and accommodation costs, we also save time because we do not have to travel to meetings. We are able to host large meetings and training sessions with ease and connect with people anywhere in the world quickly and efficiently. I have also learnt new skills such as managing virtually, and technology skills. It is easy to share information at the click of a button and what is more, it protects the environment.

3.  If you had a choice, would you prefer online or face-to-face meetings?

I would prefer online meetings, as it increases productivity and saves time.

1. What is your biggest challenge with online meetings during lockdown?

My biggest challenges have to do with the network. Even though I have data on my phone, the mobile network I use is quite low in coverage as compared to being in a Wifi-enabled area.

2. What do you enjoy the most about online meetings?

Seeing my colleagues again is most enjoyable – also seeing that they are safe and in good health. Another enjoyable aspect is the familiar laughter and jokes (like before the lockdown period).

3.  If you had a choice, would you prefer online or face-to-face meetings?

I don't have a particular favourite. However, if we have the right network and enough data, online meetings can work well. If Zoom allows us enough time to have a three-hour meeting, for example, it would also make a big difference. Face-to-face meetings, on the other hand, enable you to observe body language, facial expressions and how people in the room respond to certain things. With face-to-face meetings, decision-making is in most instances quicker. All in all, both methods can work in their different contexts.

1. What is your biggest challenge with online meetings during lockdown?

The key challenge is that we do not have good, stable internet access while working from home, while the recent load shedding just added fuel to the fire. I also experience the challenge of “voice clarity” due to various technical reasons. Furthermore, if people start getting bored and mute their microphones and switch off their cameras, no one knows whether they are still listening. Another challenge is that platforms such as Zoom have a time limit of 40 minutes per session or limit the number of participants.

2. What do you enjoy the most about online meetings?

I enjoy taking part in international webinars. Recently I was a speaker at an international webinar organised by the University of Buraimi in Oman. With participants from 30 different countries, it made me feel as if I was in all these countries at the same time. Online conference platforms also mobilise people across the globe with low or no cost.

3.  If you had a choice, would you prefer online or face-to-face meetings?

I would certainly prefer face-to-face meetings, as no technology can replace the physical interaction between people.  Besides, when travelling, one can cherish a new climate, the beauty of the location and different cultures.