Successful Strategies for Engaging Learners through Webinar Technologies By Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale
May 25, 2015
Successful Strategies for Engaging Learnersthrough Webinar Technologies
By Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale
LEARNING OUTCOMESParticipants will learn: The top vendors in the virtual classroom market
and criteria for successfully selecting a virtual classroom product based upon their needs.
Understand the different types of web-based synchronous learning events and how to appropriately use each type depending on learning goal.
Learn strategies for successfully using live web-based learning events as including preparation, implementation, and evaluation.
Learn strategies for creating learner interaction when using webinar technology for online learning.
Why and when should we use webinar technology?
What makes live face-to-face training effective
for adult learners?
Which of things are transferable to a live (synchronous) virtual classroom?
Applying Principles of Adult Education in a Virtual Learning Environment
Adults need to be involved in the planning, action, and evaluation of learning
Experience is the basis for learningRelevance is the key, adults must be
able to use or apply what is being learned
Adult learning is problem-centered vs. content-center
Webinar headaches
Technology snafu’s Audio problems Slow bandwidth
Talking heads or lectures Presenter drops off the
webinarParticipants multi-tasking
What’s the difference?WebinarWebcastLive Virtual classroom
Web-conference
What to look for in a webinar product/provider? Interaction tools such as polls and status
tools (raise hand, applaud, laugh, step-a-away)
Text chat available to participants and speakers
Option to Record Audio Options including integrated telephone
and VoIP Breakout rooms File sharing and screen sharing functions Multiple screen layouts
Go-to-Webinar
Adobe Connect Pro
Elluminate & Blackboard Collaborate
Wiz IQ
Some of the most popular synchronous
virtual classrooms
Tip # 1: Have a Host or Moderator
Provides tech support for participants and presenter(s)
Orients participants to webinar site
Monitors text chat or backchannel
Feed questions to presenters Possible dialogue partner
Tip #2: Using Polls Different purposes of polls
Use polls before you provide learning point Introduce participants to each other Test knowledge, skill, or experience on topic
Different poll types Multiple choice Multiple answer Chat question (avoid broad general questions) Yes/No or Agree/Disagree
How often should polls be used? Always have in slide and in polling function
Tip #3: Create interaction every 2 or 3 slides or 5 to 10 minutes Polls Raise hand if… Ask for chat response Ask for audio response Call on participant Answer questions Change presentation view
Tip #4: The Zen of Delivery Encourage to simulate a F2F
presentation such as to stand when presenting to, have other people in the room with them so that they can get non-verbal feedback (especially if they are new to using the medium for training)
Do not to read a script and use a headset so hands are free
Remember pause and breathe, especially if things do not go as planned
Sign on at least 30 minutes prior to test technology
If you are not the presenter then train the presenter on both the technology and tips for success
Tip #5: Use your different pods and screen viewsPollsDocument
sharingQ & AText chat &
multiple textchat pods
Notes podVideo clipsApplication sharing
Tip #6: Preparing participants for success Ask participants to register even it it is
free (get a commitment) Send reminders at least 2-3 days before
and the day of the webinar Make sure you as well as your users get
on to the webinar site at least 30 minutes prior to the webinar so that a system check can occur.
Tip #7: Use Text Chat for Learner EngagementUnderstand multiple purposes can be achieved in using this interaction tool
For participants asking questions Invite participants to share their
experiences related to the learning topic Encourage participants to contribute to
learning of others by sharing examples or recommending resources
them to answer Using problem-solving question Use chat to ask participants to apply
learning at the end of webinar
Tip #7 (continued): Using Text Chat for Learner Engagement Different group sizes require different
strategies Don’t always allow chatting especially in large
groups because it can be distracting, encourage private chats if needed
Try using the multiple chat pods by dividing participants into groups such as born from January to June and then July to December or to get learners to pick a question that relates to their experience or knowledge
Do not read chat verbatim; highlight comments by skimming and looking for responses that help make teaching point
Tip #8: Use Multiple Voices
Have multiple presenters or guests to present a case study example on topic
Create dialogue with host/moderator Invite participants to speak or ask questions or
make comments (but don’t ask for volunteers) For large webinars create a participant panel
in advance
Tip #9: Keep learners attention by helping learners know where to focus on screen
Use pointing tool to keep screen moving and active
Use drawing tools to draw attention to screen
Visit websites to show examples
Scenarios Pictures and
images
Tip# 10: Storytelling in a
virtual environment
Thanks for you attention and participation!
Our time is up!
Copyright © Ministry Training Source, 2012. All rights reserved.
During the preparation of this resource, all citations, facts, figures, Internet URLs, and other cited information were verified for accuracy. The author has made every attempt to reference current and valid sources, but cannot guarantee the content of any source and is not responsible for any changes that may have occurred since verification. If you find an error in, or have a question or concern about, any of the information or sources listed within, please contact MTS.