Brief understanding on Virtual meetings.

Refer to a material published on 03 December 2020 on https://www.nature.com/
Link to original article : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-00758-7
Following is a brief summary:   

The art of virtual mentoring in the twenty-first century for STEM majors and beyond

Social quarantine has severely impacted the training of new scientists, but the use of virtual platforms can supplement mentorship, making career development seamless.

What is virtual mentoring?

Virtual mentoring enables the exchange of information through the use of one or more digital platforms.

Pros

• Flexible and time-efficient
• Less judgmental form of communication
• Meetings can be recorded (obtain permission)
• Chat feature for general and direct messages
• Allows for useful multitasking and immediate information sharing Partaking in virtual meetings may intimidate participants, especially those who are shy
• Meeting participants are not limited by physical distance
• Accurate automated written transcription

Cons

• Requires stable internet connection and a working electronic device
• Lack confidentiality (see Zoom bombing)
• Virtual meetings may not capture the ambience of in-person meetings
• Participants may experience discomfort sharing their surrounding environment

Facilitating virtual mentoring sessions

• Setting up the virtual mentoring space
• Agenda
• Tell stories of failure before success
• Build your team
• Ask about their well-being
• End the meeting

How long and how often?

Holding frequent meetings allows mentors to reassure their trainees and demonstrate that mentors care about the well-being and success of their trainees.

For details please visit : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-00758-7

The article focuses on virtual mentoring, but this helps in making one further think and apply modern technology in their business, organizations, and even educational institutions like schools and tuition centers.