An Orientation to the 2009 ICPSR Official Representatives “Virtual Meeting”

Linda DettermanSummer, 2009

What do you mean by a “virtual meeting”?

• Due to economic challenges facing our members, ICPSR won’t be hosting a “physical” OR Meeting in Ann Arbor in 2009.

• Instead, ICPSR will broadcast our typical sessions through webinar technology.

• In addition, you as attendees will have opportunities to network and communicate with each other using bulletin boards (powered by blogging software) and other social media outlets.

How will the webinar sessions work?

• ICPSR will broadcast its sessions using GoToWebinar technology.

• Attendees watch the sessions and ask questions from their own computers.

ICPSR HQ

Session Attendees

GoToWebinar Server

What is GoToWebinar?

• GoToWebinar (GTW) is one of several companies who offer webinar technology.

• We chose GTW because:

– It does not require attendees to download any software to their computers to participate.

– It allows for up to 1,000 attendees per session.

– It easily records the session for posting shortly after the session ends. (In fact, you’re watching a recorded GTW file right now!)

GoToWebinar Attendee Interface1. Viewer Window 2. Control Panel

Networking & Communications

Discussion Boards

• Found on the Discussions & Networking page

• Post your questions/comments – no account set-up required

• Several boards with specific/directed topics

Social Media

• Follow ICPSR on Facebook & Twitter

• Several updates posted as the meeting progresses

• Post your comments here also

Other Virtual Meeting Components

• Be one of the first 200 to “register” for the meeting and receive a headset for your computer and updated promotional materials for your institution – see the Registration page.

• A live Help Desk attended by ICPSR staff will be available during the live broadcast periods.

• The meeting is FREE and open to the public!

– We encourage all ORs/DRs to attend

– We encourage you to share the session information with your campus communities

– We encourage non-members who are considering membership to take this opportunity to “experience” ICPSR

“See” you in October!

ICPSR 2009 OR Meeting: Real Data in a Virtual World!

2009 OR Meeting URL: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/ICPSR/or/ormeet/