Screen sharing (SS) is a software function that allows attendees of an online meeting to view anything you want to share on your desktop. You can do it with a browser or with an installed application. You can share the entire screen, selected area or a chosen application on your desktop.
All you need to do is to select the content you want to share on your desktop and click “share”. Your attendees can now see your shared content. If you would like to share a new piece of content, select “new share”; if you want to finish SS, click “end sharing” or “stop sharing”. The SS software enables the recipient to not only view the material, but also watch as the user interacts with it in real time, navigating the interface and making changes.
Does screen-sharing tool look the same in all applications?
The answer is no. Most videoconferencing platforms now come with SS option, but it is worth noting that the location of the tool on the interface and the controls may differ. Fortunately, the SS tool is quite self-explanatory for the users who have already used it in a browser or application.
Screen sharing enables better and faster communication in online meetings
SS has revolutionized online communication. Let us consider videoconferencing- it has reached such a high level, that online meetings can easily replace regular face to face assemblies . SS has made online collaboration a breeze. There is no longer a need to print handouts and send them over to participants, as they are available on the desktop of the host. The participants do not waste their time opening documents, photos or graphs on their own devices as they have access to the said materials immediately due to the SS option. What is more, they can share information from any program or file on their computer, including web browsers, image and video, or interactive interfaces.
Screen sharing makes online problem solving quicker and more efficient:
SS can be used for a variety and multitude of purposes. Apart from video-conferencing, SS is very useful in problem-solving online interviews where the customer may share their screen with an advisor who can watch the movement of the cursor as well as the content of the client`s computer and solve the problem quickly and efficiently. Before SS appearance, meeting face-to-face or tele conversation was the only option to fix problems. Online trainings are just another example where SS is an effective and time-saving device during which your computer becomes a communal and virtual space and the meeting becomes highly productive. Online lessons with a SS option which is provided by applications like Zoom, Teams or Skype, give the teacher the opportunity to present classroom material to students effectively and decide which content should be shared at the right moment.
Your desktop during screen sharing activity
We must remember that this environment requires some etiquette. The programmes which are not being used during the presentation should be shut down or removed from the desktop as they may cause distraction. For better organization, keep your desktop clutter-free. And, most importantly, remember to select “stop sharing “ option for activities which you do not wish to be visible to attendees.
For more information, see: LiveWebinar Screen Sharing
