Kleinwalsertal is breaking new ground: inspire live online sessions!

The corona pandemic led to a significant increase in the use of digital means of communication, especially in the form of online meetings and home offices. During this time, an innovative measure was taken in Kleinwalsertal: the municipal council introduced live recordings of its meetings. This decision was made by municipal secretary Dr. Roland Ritsch rated it positively, who praised the introduction of the live stream and the underlying technology. The sessions will continue to be recorded and made available to viewers via the Internet to promote transparency and citizen participation, such as the Allgäu newspaper reported.

A look at the changes in the world of work during the pandemic shows a comprehensive study that examines the advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing during this time. Analysis of 549 comments on a LinkedIn discussion platform identified six main themes, including camera and microphone issues and meeting management challenges. The use of video conferencing platforms increased dramatically, for example, the number of daily Zoom participants increased from 10 million in December 2019 to over 300 million in April 2020. It is predicted that by 2024 only 25% of business meetings will take place in person, as in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Challenges and advantages of video conferencing

Although video conferencing offers numerous benefits such as polls and chat features that can promote interaction, there are also negative aspects such as technical problems and distractions caused by eating habits. The study highlights that many frustrations experienced during video conferencing are similar to those encountered during in-person meetings, but there are specific challenges presented by technology and the COVID-19 situation. Recommendations for improvement are provided, including training on the effective use of video conferencing technologies and establishing meeting etiquette.