Tuesday 15th November saw the first 'Webinar' sponsored by the IET Somerset and West Wiltshire Network, “Where Are We ? - A History of Time Measurement & Navigation” presented by Emily Akkermans. While introducing the event Peter Shiret canvassed the opinions of the viewers on webinars in general, here are my thoughts, with the hope that it will encourage others to add their opinions.
Local network-sponsored webinars are clearly a sensible substitute for the conventional local event, given the restrictions imposed as a consequence of the spread of Covid-19 but might they become the 'normal' way to conduct events?
I believe there are four groups of players involved in holding an IET event, the IET centre, IET local network, the presenter and the audience, each having aspirations that may not completely align. Broadly the centre wishes to promote the profession, the network to build and sustain the network, the presenter to inform and the audience to be informed and entertained. In theory a webinar can meet all of these desires but these aren't the only ones sought by the players.
For the centre there might be a temptation to sponsor all webinars. That would certainly take a load off network sponsors but at the expense of diminishing their role and possibly support for topics of a local interest that might be considered too specialist for a national or international audience. For the centre there is also the possibility that the audience becomes yet more acclimatised to getting engineering information online and discovers that there is some excellent material 'out there' and the institution loses its relevance.
The network runs the same risk, it only has relevance if its members share some common connection, i.e. the locality, but we are all equally 'local' (or distant) on the internet. The distinction between the centre and the network can easily become blurred.
For the presenter they possibly gain by not having to travel, (some might enjoy it). There might be some relief at not having to face an audience, (which might encourage the shy to take on the task), but I am sure most get some pleasure in the sense of connecting personally with the audience. It must be very odd not to receive even a clap at the end. I would think there might be a temptation to move from a webinar format to a (polished) internet lecture that can be viewed on demand. It has been said that radio and television killed off the music hall as a stage performer can present the same act all week at one town and then repeat it at the next. 'Perform once' might be commercial suicide, but then most presenters are not being paid so that is perhaps not so important for a technical talk.
For the audience the big plus is perhaps not having to travel, traditionally our events seem to run when it is dark and cold! The webinar has the possibility of providing better on-screen information, no problems of screens too far away, too dark or obscured by someone's head. The downsides include losing that personal connection, the presenter that picks up on an audience reaction, the feel of being part of a larger body. The chance to meet others in the network is gone too. (Personally I have always felt it is a pity that people don't meet up after an event, at least we would all have something in common to talk about. I often feel that some of the ideas brought up in a talk could do with being teased out, perhaps after a bit of self-reflection – I envy those smart enough to compose and ask a relevant question at the right time!).
My quick comment, better than nothing, but nothing beats a good live speaker.
Any thoughts?
