Remote vivas, a thread 😃 #phdchat
Many PhD candidates are probably concerned about what their viva might look like over Skype or Zoom.
I asked for help yesterday - - and got a wealth of support! Many thanks to everyone who shared!
(1/13)
Many PhD candidates are probably concerned about what their viva might look like over Skype or Zoom.
I asked for help yesterday - - and got a wealth of support! Many thanks to everyone who shared!
(1/13)
I knew a little about Skype vivas before - check the tech in advance, pause in case of signal lag, try to look at the camera - but more like general videoconferencing advice. Since yesterday I've collected some valuable insights from both examiners and candidates... (2/13)
First, from examiners:
@JLMittelmeier, @kate_wall98 and @ProfCRobinson all emphasised challenges around body language, potential difficulties on picking up on non-verbal cues. Not impossible, but something to think about. (3/13)
@JLMittelmeier, @kate_wall98 and @ProfCRobinson all emphasised challenges around body language, potential difficulties on picking up on non-verbal cues. Not impossible, but something to think about. (3/13)
.@kate_wall98 urged making sure everyone taking part refers explicitly to page numbers clearly and waits for everyone to catch up. Could be a good expectation to set at the start of a Skype/Zoom viva, and something to check as you go through:
(4/13)
(4/13)
.@ProfCRobinson and others in the thread emphasised that rapport can be tricky over video; try to take time at the start to do what you can in that situation, rather than just stick out any awkwardness.
(5/13)
(5/13)
.@JLMittelmeier commented on possible missing out on small talk and networking - the viva is important, but both of these could help on the day and afterwards too. Examiners and candidates: work to include this!
And make a way to celebrate!
(6/13)
And make a way to celebrate!
(6/13)
Now over to candidate tips/experiences!
@vickyingram gave a great practical tip to begin with: make sure your examiner(s) aren't on a giant screen! Could make for a strange setup! :)
(7/13)
@vickyingram gave a great practical tip to begin with: make sure your examiner(s) aren't on a giant screen! Could make for a strange setup! :)
(7/13)
.@lornaarnott shared tech woes - a great reminder to check things as much as possible in advance - and also shared that it felt a little less intimidating with an examiner on a screen than in the room.
(8/13)
(8/13)
.@videtteb balanced pros & cons of viva over video - lack of small talk, connection versus it being straight to the point. And another call to check connection and tech in advance, but be aware of potential for delays too.
(9/13)
(9/13)
Finally, @joannawbrownphd shared useful tip of ethernet cable for connection, and emphasised the need to celebrate - particularly if you have a remote viva at this time. What can you do to celebrate your achievement?
(10/13)
(10/13)
This will be the tip of the iceberg: if you have had or examined a viva over video/Skype/Zoom before, your experience and tips could be really useful to candidates who will be having them soon at a stressful time. Please share and help if you can!
(11/13)
(11/13)
Many thanks to everyone who shared thoughts and experiences; if you can think of useful accounts to share this with please do so. I'm preparing to give my first viva prep sessions virtually so have to get back to that now. I'll check in and add to this thread when I can!
(12/13)
(12/13)
Finally for now, a post from me a few days ago on @VivaSurvivors:
viva-survivors.com/2020/03/intere…
Ask for help if you need it. Offer it when you can. Stay safe, be well. Keep going.
(13/13, end for now!)
viva-survivors.com/2020/03/intere…
Ask for help if you need it. Offer it when you can. Stay safe, be well. Keep going.
(13/13, end for now!)
