From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom

From Blah to Aha!
Engaging Learners in the
Virtual Classroom
March 4, 2014

© 2014 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved.

1

Webinar Objectives
• Avoid 3 deadly mistakes that result in
“blah” learning experiences
• Embrace 5 discovery learning practices
that enliven the virtual classroom
• Create “aha” moments as you captivate
your learners


2

About Cynthia Clay

• 25+ years of experience
• Author of Great Webinars
• An expert in collaborative,
engaging virtual learning


3

Tweet

#virtuallearning

4

Purpose Poll

What do you hope to gain from this
webinar?


5

“Blah”


6

Deadly Mistakes

What deadly mistakes have you experienced
in webinars?


7

Deadly Mistake #1

Failing to capitalize on the
visual medium


8

Mistake #1: Visual
“The facilitator would display a slide with
about 4 - 5 points. Then she would talk
about the points for what seemed like
several minutes without necessarily
referring to them specifically or using a
pointer.”

Lynn, quoted in Great Webinars (2012)


9

Deadly Mistake #2

Not engaging learners in the
discussion


10

Mistake #2: No Engagement
“I think this is why people end up
multitasking….If she would only
engage me and make it hard for me
NOT to participate. I’ve got one ear
open for something that catches my
attention, but meanwhile, I have seen
how this works, and it doesn’t require
me to be fully present.”
Michelle, quoted in Great Webinars (2012)


11

Deadly Mistake #3

Lecturing until…


12

Mistake #3: Lecturing
“If you take an already bad training
presentation, poor content and
organization, throw in terrible and
boring slides, add a weak, talkinghead facilitator, what would you get?
Answer – the one-hour webinar I just
watched.”
Jackie, quoted in Great Webinars (2012)


13

Our Story
1992

•Began as an independent consulting practice
•Provided organization and leadership development to Pacific NW clients

2000

•Developed NetSpeed Leadership (blended learning)
•Expanded nationally

2006

•Developed Blazing Service (blended learning)
•Began to experiment with interactive, VILT using web conferencing

2007

•Developed NetSpeed Fast Tracks™ (integrated learning system)

2008

•Rebranded the company as NetSpeed Learning Solutions
•Repurposed all programs for VILT

2009

•Introduced the Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification course
•Published Great Webinars

2011

•Published Peer Power
•Launched the Peer Power virtual training program

2012

•Established as virtual learning experts
•Wiley & Sons republish both Great Webinars and Peer Power


14

Discovery Learning
What is discovery learning?


15

Discovery Learning
A method of inquiry-based instruction in which
learners discover facts, relationships and
solutions.


16

Discovery Learning
Is it possible to create a discovery learning
experience in the virtual classroom?


17

Types of Discovery Learning
Guided discovery (inquiry-based)
Observation and reflection
Problem solving
Simulation-based
Case studies


18

A Challenging Coworker
The Manipulator
The coworker who attempts to
influence your attitude or
behavior through deception or
secrecy.


19

Your Experience

Have you ever worked with a manipulator?


20

Reflection Poll
Think of a time when you have
manipulated a person or a
situation by withholding
information, flattering, or sharing
information in secret.
What motivated you?


21

Video Example


22

Clues
What clues in the video tell you that you might be
working with a manipulator?


23

Clues
•
•
•
•

Offers unusual favors, gifts or flattery
Appeals to your sense of guilt
Deceives you
Presents only positive reasons (no
negatives)


24

Clues
• Misrepresents or excludes data
• Whispers in your ear
• Asks a leading question or pretends to
ask for input
• Tells stories that are inconsistent


25

Clues Poll
Which behavioral clues have you
experienced personally at work?


26

Take Responsibility
• Be responsible for your own
experience. Be aware of your own
hooks.
• Communicate and set
ground rules.


27

Extend Respect
• Use good listening and questioning skills to
encourage openness.
• Pay attention to your gut/intuition.


28

Audio Case Example
Listen to the audio example. Take notes on
constructive behaviors Dan uses with the
manipulator.


29

Case Example
What behaviors did Dan use to Take Responsibility
and Extend Respect?


30

Action
The next time I work with a manipulator, I will
collaborate constructively by….


31

Discovery Process
1.
2.
3.
4.

Prepare the learner with information
Ask questions to encourage reflection
Provide examples and models
Demonstrate, if applicable


32

Discovery Process
5.
6.
7.
8.

Offer a case or identify a problem
Allow peers to collaborate and problem solve
Debrief to elicit connections and relationships
Plan for application


33

Your Virtual Tool Kit
Chat
Polling
Annotation Tools
Emoticons/Status Icons
Video/Audio


34

Virtual Tools Chat

What ideas do you have for
using one of these tools to
increase discovery learning
in the virtual classroom?
Choose one chat pod and
share an idea.


35

3 Deadly Mistakes

#1


#2

#3

36

5 Discovery Practices
Guided discovery (inquiry-based)
Observation and reflection
Problem solving
Simulation-based
Case studies


37

5 Tools in Your Kit
Chat
Polling
Annotation Tools
Emoticons/Status Icons
Video/Audio


38

“Aha” Moments
What have you learned today that will increase
your effectiveness in the virtual classroom?


39

Virtual Facilitator Training
•
•
•
•

Deep dive, comprehensive course
Focused on virtual design and delivery
Public courses offered six times/year
Customized for private delivery in your web
conference platform


40

Take our Survey
• Link to download our eBook (From Chalkboard to
Keyboard)
• Use the discount code from the
eBook to receive $345 off the
VFTC course


41

Q&A


42

From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom

More Related Content

What's hot

Similar to From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom

More from Cynthia Clay

Recently uploaded

From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom