From Blah to Aha

From Blah to Aha!
Engaging Learners in the
Virtual Classroom

January 24, 2013

© 2013 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


About Cynthia Clay

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


Tweet

#virtuallearning


Purpose Poll

What do you hope to gain from this
webinar?


“Blah”


Deadly Mistakes

What deadly mistakes have you experienced
in webinars?


Deadly Mistake #1

Failing to capitalize on the
visual medium


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)


Deadly Mistake #2

Not engaging learners in the
discussion


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)


Deadly Mistake #3

Lecturing until…


Mistake #3: Lecturing

“If you take an already bad training
presentation, poor content and
organization, throw in terrible and
boring slides, add a weak, talking-
head facilitator, what would you get?
Answer – the one-hour webinar I just
watched.”

Jackie, quoted in Great Webinars (2012)


Our Story
•Began as an independent consulting practice
1992 •Provided organization and leadership development to Pacific NW clients

•Developed NetSpeed Leadership (blended learning)
2000 •Expanded nationally

•Developed Blazing Service (blended learning)
2006 •Began to experiment with interactive, VILT using web conferencing

•Developed NetSpeed Fast Tracks™ (integrated learning system)
2007

•Rebranded the company as NetSpeed Learning Solutions
2008 •Repurposed all programs for VILT

•Introduced the Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification course
2009 •Published Great Webinars

•Published Peer Power
2011 •Launched the Peer Power virtual training program

•Established as virtual learning experts
2012 •Wiley & Sons republish both Great Webinars and Peer Power


Discovery Learning

What is discovery learning?


Discovery Learning

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


Discovery Learning

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


Types of Discovery Learning

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


A Challenging Coworker

The Manipulator

The coworker who attempts to
influence your attitude or
behavior through deception or
secrecy.


Your Experience

Have you ever worked with a manipulator?


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?


Video Example


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


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


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


Clues Poll

Which behavioral clues have you
experienced personally at work?


Take Responsibility

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


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


Audio Case Example

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


Case Example

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


Action

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


Discovery Process

1. Prepare the learner with information
2. Ask questions to encourage reflection
3. Provide examples and models
4. Demonstrate, if applicable


Discovery Process

5. Offer a case or identify a problem
6. Allow peers to collaborate and problem solve
7. Debrief to elicit connections and relationships
8. Plan for application


Your Virtual Tool Kit

Chat
Polling
Annotation Tools
Emoticons/Status Icons
Video/Audio


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.


3 Deadly Mistakes

#1 #2 #3


5 Discovery Practices

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


5 Tools in Your Kit

Chat
Polling
Annotation Tools
Emoticons/Status Icons
Video/Audio


“Aha” Moments

What have you learned today that will increase
your effectiveness in the virtual classroom?


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


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


Q&A


From Blah to Aha

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