Many RSO's use virtual tools for updates and between meeting communication, including GroupMe, Slack or Google Groups, and we encourage you to continue using these tools to conduct business and connect with your members.
During this time your RSO may need more resources in order to facilitate online meetings, events, and other activities. Student Leadership & Involvement is constantly looking for the best tools and resources in order to assist our RSO's in creating an engaging, fun, and productive organizations.
Find information on virtual meeting tips and tricks on our virtual meeting page.
Student Leadership & Involvement recommends that you explore your virtual meeting options in order to find the right program for your RSO. Some of our favorites include:
| Zoom | Your Michigan Tech Zoom account allows you to access tons of features including the ability to host large meetings without a time limit. Zoom is a full-featured, professional-grade video calling and conferencing service with features including screen sharing, whiteboarding, annotations, file sharing, joining via call, meeting recording, cloud storing, breakout sessions, hand raising, and much more. In addition, Michigan Tech provides technical support for Zoom. Zoom also integrates with Facebook and Youtube Live making it ideal for large events. |
| Google Hangouts | Supported by your Michigan Tech email address, Google Hangouts offers a more simplistic experience. Once you join or create a Hangouts video call, you can flip the camera, mute yourself, turn off the camera, and invite others but it is lacking some of the features that you may be used to seeing in Zoom. |
| Flipgrid | Flipgrid is a free video discussion platform from Microsoft that allows RSO's to foster fun and supportive social learning. In Flipgrid, you can post discussion prompts and respond with short videos. You can integrate Filpgrid into other digital platforms for a live experience. |
| Hopin | Hopin aims to replicate the experience and benefits of attending a conference without the expenses and other hoops like travel, logistics and environmental impact. Hopin is a virtual venue with multiple interactive areas that are optimized for connecting and engaging. Attendees can move in and out of rooms just like an in-person event and enjoy the content and connections you've created for them. |
| Slack can replace email, text messaging, and other messaging methods for your organization. Slack offers both desktop and mobile versions and can help your RSO collaborate no matter where they are. | |
| Creating a Discord server allows your RSO to build a digital space to communicate, share, and plan. Topic-based text channels give you an organized way to and voice channels let your RSO meet in small groups or as a whole using voice and video. |
Planning your RSO meetings, events, and other operations can be difficult to imagine doing virtually. Check out these tips for brainstorming virtually to help you prepare. Ready to host a brainstorming and/or planning session and looking for something with more tools than Zoom or other meeting platforms? See our recommendations below.
| Mural | MURAL is a digital workspace for visual collaboration. If you are a student you are eligible for a free education workspace. This workspace includes 10 members, 25 registered guests, unlimited visitors and is renewed annually. Mural allows you to visually problem solve, collaborate, access templates, and schedule org functions all in one space. |
| Miro | Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard platform designed for remote and distributed teams. You can sign up to access 3 boards and unlimited teammates for free. Miro allows you to host meetings and events, brainstorm, map and diagram, and create planning strategies all in one space. |
| Canva Mind Maps | Many RSO's use Canva to create marketing materials and internal design elements but did you know you can use Canva to brainstorm with your org? A mind map is used to show the different ideas associated with a particular concept and Canva now offers templates that allow you to add images, color code, and create a downloadable and embeddable final product. Brainstorm with your team anywhere in the world by inviting them to collaborate on your mind map design. |
| Figma | Figma allows you to design with your org in one space. Figma lets organizations design, prototype, collaborate, and helps bring everyone to the same page. |
Icebreakers can turn a basic meeting into something memorable. By choosing engaging activities, student leaders can:
- Introduce participants to one another
- Build a sense of community
- Get conversations going
- Help people remember names & pronouns
- Break down barriers between members and student leaders
- Encourage participants to think differently
- Understand the knowledge and experience of participants
Below are some icebreaker ideas (both virtual and in person) you can download and use for your org!
Fun Icebreaker Questions| Printable Version
Quick & Easy Icebreaking Activities
The 55 Best Questions to Ask to Break the Ice and Really Get to Know Someone
These days there are many creative options for virtual events! Here are just a few to get you started.
Event Ideas:
- Plan a game night with Jackbox
- Play Minecraft together for free
- Host a virtual trivia night with Kahoot!
- Hold an UNO match
- Play a round of Scattergories
- Gather a group to play Skribbl.io
| Engross App for iPhone & Android | The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity system that helps you take the right number of breaks while still getting your work done. Traditionally, it breaks up your day into 25-minute focus sessions followed by five-minute breaks. It's the perfect length of time for soaking up knowledge and getting things done—without burning out. |
| Trello | Trello allows you to create boards, lists and cards that share details about projects and tasks with members of your team. Then they can add comments, collaborate on docs, or check off to-dos within each item. |
| Kahoot! |
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that brings engagement and fun to 1+ billion players every year at school, at work, and at home. |
| Creating a Virtual Presence |
If you are used to organizing and creating meaningful connections in person but need some guidance on transitioning this to a virtual environment, download this pdf! |