Online Session FAQ

Attendee Questions

How do I access online convention sessions?

Go to mla24.org or download the MLA 2024 convention app. Sign in with the same email address you used to register for the convention and your registration confirmation number (see the receipt emailed to you from no-reply@mla.org, or use our look-up tool). You must be registered and signed in to join or participate in sessions at the convention.

Online sessions are indicated with a globe-like icon in the online program (as opposed to a map icon) to the left of the session number. You may also click on Meeting Calendar, select the day, and click the Virtual icon for a list of online sessions for that day.

To join a session, click on the Join Now button which will automatically display shortly before the start of a session. Refer to our guide on accessing online sessions for additional assistance. For additional assistance, visit the Virtual Help Desk.

What is the default time zone for the online program? Can that be changed?

By default, all times will display in EST, the time zone for Philadelphia. You may switch to your local time zone by using the toggle option at the top left of your screen. The toggle will display as My Time or EST depending on your setting.

If I'm attending virtually, what does my registration pay for?

Your registration covers the cost of providing videoconferencing technology that supports a meeting with hundreds of sessions and the labor of the MLA staff members who work year-round to make the convention a rewarding experience for attendees. We have funding available for our members in need in the form of grants that cover registration fees for unemployed, non-tenure-track, and student members.

What technology do I need to participate?

You’ll need access to the Internet and a computer, tablet, or mobile phone to join. Our hosting platform uses Zoom, so it’s important to download the latest version of Zoom on your device. We recommend using headphones for sessions where you’ll be speaking to improve audio and cut down on the chance of any feedback issues.

Why is the MLA recording online sessions?

We know that not everyone can be online during the duration of the convention, so we want to make the online sessions available to registrants for a limited time after the event is over. This way, if you can’t attend an online session in real time, you can watch it later.

When will recorded sessions be available?

Session recordings should be available within one week for registered convention attendees to access.

Where do I find the recordings, and how long will they be available?

A link to the session recording will appear below the session title in the online program once the recording is available. You must be registered and signed in to access the link. Recordings will be available until March 2024.

Can I record sessions?

The MLA is recording every online session and making these recordings available to registrants for a limited time. Participants have authorized these official recordings and their distribution to fellow attendees. With the exception of prerecording of your own presentation, individuals’ recording of the event or distribution of recordings is a violation of our members’ privacy and of our convention policies.

Will there be captioning at the sessions?

All online MLA sessions will have the automated Zoom captioning function enabled. Click on the CC button at the bottom of your Zoom window to turn captioning on or off, change the font size, or show the captions as a transcription on the side of your screen. Some sessions may have a real-time captioner typing the captions, if a request for CART was received by 14 November. You may view those captions the same way you would access the automated captions. We regret that we are not able to schedule additional real-time captioners after 14 November.

Will there be ASL interpreters at the sessions?

ASL interpreters will be available at select sessions based on requests we received by 14 November. For those online sessions, interpreters will be visible on screen along with the session panelists. We recommend pinning the ASL interpreters on your screen for easy access. For a list of sessions with ASL interpreters requested, write to access@mla.org after 14 November. We regret that we are not able to schedule additional interpreters after 14 November.

Participant Questions

Who should present live? Who should prerecord their presentation?

We recommend that the majority of speakers present live during the session. We’ve found that a live presentation is easier for speakers and presiders to navigate.

For online panel sessions, speakers who have an unstable Internet connection or who may have frequent interruptions during a live presentation may want to prerecord their talk to ensure a smooth presentation.

Are there tutorials or guidelines for presenters and presiders?

We recommend reviewing the tutorials provided by Zoom and Moderator and Presenter Tips. Please also refer to the Online Session Presider and Presenter Tips for detailed guidance. Be sure you have the latest version of Zoom downloaded and check your Internet connection before the session. Join your session at least twenty minutes before the session start time to review any questions with the meeting tech (a staff member from our virtual event partner, Confex) and your fellow session participants.

What will my responsibilities be as presider of an online session? Will I receive help from the MLA?

As at an in-person session, presiders of online sessions will be responsible for facilitating the session and keeping time. Facilitating an online session can include using Zoom to show any prerecorded presentations, sharing questions from chat with the presenters, and transitioning from one speaker to another. Be sure to check in to your session at least twenty minutes before the scheduled start time. This gives you time to review any questions with the meeting tech (a staff member from our virtual event partner, Confex), practice screen sharing and speaker transitions, and review the flow of the session with your participants. Review the question about tutorials above, and feel free to have your own Zoom practice run of the session.

What happens if I encounter technical difficulties during my session?

A staff member from Confex, our virtual meeting partner, will open your meeting and give Zoom co-host abilities to the presider or dedicated Zoom co-host. That tech will be monitoring your session remotely and can be reached through the Zoom chat if you have any questions. Be sure to check in to your session at least twenty minutes ahead of the scheduled start time to cut down on basic technology issues. Session presiders have received information on solving basic technology issues during the meeting (i.e., audio feedback, muting, etc.).

Will there be captioning at my session?

All online MLA sessions will be set with the automated Zoom captioning function enabled. Click on the CC button at the bottom of your Zoom screen to turn on or turn off captions, change the font size, or show it as a transcription on the side of your screen. Some sessions may have a real-time captioner typing the captions, if a request for CART was received by 14 November. You may view those captions the same way you would access the automated captions. We regret that we are not able to schedule additional real-time captioners after 14 November.

Will there be ASL interpreters at my session?

ASL interpreters will be available at select sessions based on requests we received by 14 November. For those online sessions, interpreters will be logging in to the session twenty minutes ahead of the start time and will be visible on screen along with the session participants. We recommend spotlighting the ASL interpreters along with the session participants so they are all easily viewable regardless of how attendees have set up their screens. We regret that we are not able to schedule additional interpreters after 14 November.

If ASL interpreters have been scheduled for your session, the presider will be notified and asked to have all panelists share their presentations, outlines, key words and terms, etc., in advance to help the interpreters prepare. Write to Stacey Courtney with any questions.