Stay Connected During Social Distancing
With endless scrolling through news and social media feeds at our fingertips, our own anxiety, isolation, and separation can be amplified. In whatever time we face ahead, take an opportunity to reach out and seek connection with others. Send a text, give someone a call, video chat, and share virtual prayer and study together.
There are a number of free video conferencing options for connecting with others while still maintaining social distance. If you have access to the necessary tech and a reliable internet connection, consider a face-to-face video call using one of these options instead of an in-person meeting.
Zoom
Zoom enables video conference meetings and offers both free and paid accounts. Free accounts have some restrictions (see below).
- Capabilities: Participants can share their screens, share documents/images, etc.
- Requirements: Computer, phone, or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone; reliable internet connection
- Plans and pricing: View all plans
- Free Account: One on one (up to 2 people): You can schedule video meetings between up to 2 people without time limits.
- Free Account: 3+ people: You can schedule video meetings with up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes in length.
- Free Account (schools): Up to 100 participants: For a limited time, qualifying schools can schedule video meetings with up to 100 participants without time limits (details).
- Paid Accounts: RLC has a paid Zoom account which enables RLC member users to schedule video conference meetings with up to 100 participants without time limits.
- Do I need to create an account? To schedule a Zoom call, you will need to create a Zoom account (or complete a request to use RLC’s paid account). Participants (those joining the call) do not need to create an account.
- Get started: Visit zoom.us or complete a request to use RLC’s paid account.
Skype
Skype is free to use and enables free video conference meetings with up to 50 participants (includes you).
- Capabilities: Participants can share their screens, share documents/images, etc.
- Requirements: Skype app installed on computer, phone, or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone; reliable internet connection
- Plans and pricing: Skype to Skype calls are free.
- Do I need to create an account? Yes. All Skype call participants must have a free Skype account and app.
- Get started: Visit skype.com
Webex
Webex enables video conference meetings and offers both free and paid accounts. Free accounts have some restrictions but will work for most types of meetings.
- Capabilities: Participants can share their screens (and use messaging to share documents/images); requires participants to call-in for audio.
- Requirements: Computer, phone, or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone; reliable internet connection
- Plans and pricing: View all plans
- Free Account: Schedule meetings for up to 100 participants without time limits.
- Do I need to create an account? To schedule a Webex, you will need to create a Webex account. Participants (those joining the call) do not need to create an account.
- Get started: Visit webex.com
FaceTime
FaceTime enables free video group calls but requires all participants to use an Apple product (iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
- Capabilities: Best for simple video conference calls between up to 32 participants using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. FaceTime does not allow users to easily share screens, documents, images, etc.
- Requirements: Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac with working camera and microphone; reliable internet connection
- Plans and pricing: Free
- Do I need to create an account? All participants must have an Apple ID.
- Get started: Review Apple’s support for FaceTime calls
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts enables free video conference meetings with up to 10 participants.
- Capabilities: Participants can share their screens, share documents/images, etc.
- Requirements: All participants must have a Google/Gmail account and a computer, phone, or tablet equipped with a camera and microphone; reliable internet connection
- Plans and pricing: Free
- Do I need to create an account? Yes. All participants must have a Google/Gmail account.
- Get started: Visit hangouts.google.com
Questions? Contact Mark Tisdale at digital@rlcindy.org for assistance.