Finding the Right Tools to Support Your Needs

When you start looking for the right tools, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the multitude of options.

• Keep it simple.
• Use what is familiar. Introducing lots of new tools is challenging for meeting participants and will get in the way rather than be supportive.
• Consider building familiarity with one or two things at a time to build confidence before introducing something new.
• Don’t over do it. Lots of tools are available and it’s easy to overdo it!
• Keep bandwidth (literally!) in mind. Choose tools that work with the internet connectivity and tools your participants have.
• Consider low-tech options–email things that can be done in advance, make phone calls to check in with people, or even send things via mail if you have participants whose access to technology is limited.
• Tune-in to people’s learning curve. If they are struggling, slow down. If they are confident and comfortable, or starting to get bored, they may be ready to explore something new.