Are Your Virtual Classes as Successful as They
Could Be?
>> by Christina Morfeld, Affinity Business Communications<<
With advanced planning that gives special consideration
to the online environment -- and a bit of practice -- your virtual training
sessions can be just as effective (and enjoyable) as those that take place
in a traditional classroom setting!
"Blended learning" is the carefully managed integration of formal
training programs and informal knowledge-enhancing opportunities. It is
becoming an increasingly popular business strategy for two primary reasons:
As opposed to traditional training, which tends to be a series of
isolated or unrelated events, a blended approach is self-reinforcing.
Additionally, as an important first step in communicating learning as
a core corporate value, it has the power to improve performance at both
the individual and organizational level.
Thanks to the Web's robust collaborative capabilities, face-to-face
gatherings are no longer a prerequisite for knowledge transfer, brainstorming,
and teamwork. This translates into significant cost savings for employers,
particularly those with geographically dispersed workgroups.
There are many Web-based applications on the market that support synchronous
("virtual") meetings and classes. These include Centra, HorizonLive,
and PlaceWare, to name just a few. While several noteworthy differences
exist between them, most of their features and functions are quite similar
- and specifically designed to mirror the activities of a traditional
classroom.
That being the case, why is learner engagement such a tough challenge
for synchronous trainers? It's not that the necessary tools and utilities
aren't available; in fact, they're built right into the software we're
using! Instead, it seems that we're simply not leveraging them to their
fullest extent.PrimeLearning (http://www.primelearning.com),
a leading provider of business and professional skills eLearning, uses
Centra for its synchronous events. They have graciously allowed me to
share information included in a virtual class I designed for them. The
goal of the class was to demonstrate "best practices" for developing
and delivering training via Centra, but the advice - which focuses on
strategy rather than mechanics - applies equally well to other platforms.
Strategy #1: Vary the "look and feel" of the presentation
Synchronous classrooms contain a "content window" where information
is displayed. Slides uploaded from a presentation application, such as
Microsoft PowerPoint, are commonly used, just as "overheads"
might be employed in a traditional setting.
During the Development Phase
While your slide set should be consistent in terms of background color,
placement of company logo, etc., diversify the way the subject matter
itself is presented as much as possible. Bulleted lists are certainly
preferable over paragraphs, but also be creative in your use of tables,
single-item screens (for impact), and simple graphics in lieu of text
when appropriate.
Limit text to key concepts, phrases, and questions that you will verbally
expand upon. (Hint: Use the presentation software's "notes"
feature to document what you plan to say in support of the text, then
print out a hard copy to serve as a "cheat sheet" during delivery.)
And while colored text should not be used excessively, it is an interesting
way to indicate "action items" such as activities and questions.
Finally, avoid the use of animations, slide transitions, build slides,
and other special effects, as they do not "carry over" into
the classroom environment. (Note: It's possible that the other platforms
- as well as newer releases of Centra - do, in fact, support these.)
During the Delivery Phase
As you discuss each slide, use the application's whiteboard tools to
draw attention to important items. But don't just settle for one! Instead,
alternate between the standard pointer and using a variety of colors to
underline, highlight, and enclose text within rectangles and ellipses.
Strategy #2: Capitalize on the power of questions
While this issue may seem applicable only to the delivery phase of a
virtual class, it is strongly recommended that you pre-determine when
and how you will employ questioning techniques. Be sure to keep the following
methods in mind:
Asking Questions
Answering Questions
Use open-ended questions.
Give learners up to 5 seconds to respond.
If no volunteers, give a hint or example rather than immediately
providing the answer.
Frequently ask learners if they have questions.
Instead of asking whether learners understand something, pose
a question that allows them to demonstrate their understanding.
Repeat/paraphrase to ensure that entire class has heard and
to confirm your understanding.
In general, provide direct answers only if you alone possess
the knowledge to respond appropriately.
Redirect the question to the group.
Help the questioner come to his or her own conclusion.
Admit when you don't know the answer (but commit to quickly
finding out and getting back to the learners with the information).
In short, don't tell your learners something if you can get them to tell
you instead.
Strategy #3: Take advantage of the system's interactive capabilities
Most platforms offer sophisticated functionality such as application
sharing and breakout rooms, and you should use them as appropriate. However,
each also supports a variety of simple techniques for increasing participation
and appealing to a wide range of learning styles and preferences. For
example, you can:
Ask learners to respond "Yes" or "No" (by clicking
the appropriate button) to a closed-ended question.
Pose a question to the group and ask those who wish to respond to
raise their hands. You may alternately ask one or more learners to type
their own responses on the screen.
Ask learners to brainstorm about a specific issue or topic using the
"chat" feature. This tool lends itself especially well to
discussions about personal feelings and experiences, such as "what
XYZ (e.g., customer service, effective communication, etc.) means to
me."
Ask learners to "vote" by placing a gold star (or some other
whiteboard indicator) next to the item of their choice.
Create a two-column matching exercise in which a volunteer draws lines
between the corresponding items in Column A and Column B.
Poll learners with a single multiple-choice question.
Quiz learners with a series of multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank
questions.
Consider using "pre-work" - such as an article, case study,
etc. - as a means of stimulating discussion at the very start of your
presentation.
Bottom line: With advanced planning that gives special consideration
to the online environment - and a bit of practice - your virtual training
sessions can be just as effective (and enjoyable) as those that take place
in a traditional classroom setting!
Christina Morfeld is president of Affinity Business Communications, a provider
of high-quality instructional design, technical writing, and content development
solutions. Whether writing to instruct, inform, or persuade, our work is
reader-focused, benefits-oriented, and results-driven.
Contact us at 203-445-9964 or
info@affinitybizcomm.com, or visit our website at http://www.affinitybizcomm.com
to learn how we can increase your firm's sales and effectiveness!
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Volume
1 | Number 1 | Spring 2004