Brain-based Learning in the Virtual Classroom

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Brain-based Learning
in the
Virtual Classroom
Cynthia Clay
President/CEO
cclay@netspeedlearning.com
February 13, 2018
1:45 p.m.
Session 504

Session Objectives
• Apply six brain-based guidelines in your next
web workshop
• Increase novelty, contrast, meaning, and
emotion
in the virtual classroom
• Take away an infographic to reinforce
brain-based learning approaches

Purpose
What do you hope to gain
from participating in this session?

Neuroplasticity
• Our brains are constantly
growing and changing.
• Learning changes the
wiring of the brain.

Active engagement = active brains

Brain-based Guideline #1
Active engagement
=
active brains
5 4 3 2 1
Outstanding Very Good Okay Fair Underwhelming
How would you rate
your ability to
actively engage your
learners in the
virtual classroom?

Example

Neurons that fire together wire together

Neurons that fire together
wire together.
What does this brain-based guideline tell us about
the way people learn in the virtual classroom?

Neurons Firing Together
• Increase multi-modal sensory learning
• Create context
• Begin with what the learner
already knows
• Use stories and metaphors

How does this story demonstrate
the brain-based guideline,
“Neurons that fire together wire together?”

How does this story demonstrate the brain-based guideline,
“Neurons that fire together wire together?”

Example

Vision trumps all other senses

Vision trumps all other senses.
If you understand that “Vision trumps all other senses,”
what will you do in the virtual classroom?

Example

This is a visual medium

Marine Debris
• There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic
debris in the ocean.
• 269,000 tons of plastic float on the
surface.
• 100,000 marine creatures a year die
from plastic entanglement.
• 1 million seabirds die each year

5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris

Social learning fires mirror neurons

Social learning
fires mirror neurons.

Social Learning
“People learn from one another, sometimes without even realizing that
they are doing so. With the increasing shift from face-to-face meetings and
events to virtual and digital formats, careful thought must be given to how
we build human interaction into learning solutions.”
The Maritz Institute

Emotions
“There can be no
knowledge without
emotion….To the cognition
of the brain must be added
the experience of the soul.”
Arnold Bennett

Implications
What are the implications of this brain-based guideline
(Social learning fires mirror neurons)
in the virtual classroom?

• Stimulate emotional engagement
• Use visuals, stories, novelty and humor
• Encourage social collaboration,
practice and application
• Exhibit positive energy
and enthusiasm
• Avoid negatively charged
emotional states
Implications

Leadership Example
What was your emotional response watching this video?
What leadership qualities were demonstrated?

Example

No pain – No gain

Failure precedes success.

Goldilocks Rule

What are the implications
of this brain-based rule in our
virtual classroom designs?
No Pain. No Gain.

1. Learners learn best when they attempt to solve a difficult problem first
before gaining new insights.
2. Without some stress or discomfort, learning is likely to occur.
3. Adults enjoy failing in front of their peers.
4. Too much stress or discomfort shuts down learning.
5. A virtual facilitator needs to create a safe space for people to try out
new skills.
Quiz Yourself: True or False

Example

No pain – No gain
Practice makes permanent

Practice makes
permanent.

Delegating Example

Example

1. Review steps
2. Model or demonstrate
3. Have participants reflect
4. Apply (practice)
5. Observe and share feedback
6. Use on the job
7. Report results to peers
Practice Makes Permanent

No pain – No gain
Practice makes permanent

Taking Action
What Insights or Actions will you take from this
session today?

Bonus
http://tinyurl.com/kevzsww

Bonus! Attend a Demo Webinar
You’re invited to a complimentary, online demo.
Achieving Maximum Engagement: More
Brain-based Principles for the Virtual Classroom
Wednesday, February 28
10:00 am Pacific / 1:00 pm Eastern
Leave your biz card or sign up here.

Brain-based Learning in the Virtual Classroom

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