The document outlines a webinar focused on enhancing engagement in virtual classrooms by avoiding common mistakes and adopting effective discovery learning practices. Key points include failing to utilize visual elements, neglecting learner engagement, and excessive lecturing as major pitfalls. The webinar aims to empower facilitators with tools and strategies to create impactful 'aha' moments for learners.

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From Blah to Aha!
Engaging Learners in the
Virtual Classroom
October 7, 2015

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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

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

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Tweet
#virtuallearning

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Purpose Poll
What do you hope to gain from this
webinar?

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“Blah”

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Deadly Mistakes
What deadly mistakes have you experienced
in webinars?

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Deadly Mistake #1
Failing to capitalize on the
visual medium

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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

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Deadly Mistake #2
Not engaging learners in the
discussion

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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

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Deadly Mistake #3
Lecturing until…

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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

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Discovery Learning
What is discovery learning?

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

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

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

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

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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

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• 46% overall
• 66% multi-national
organizations
• 80% with 10,000+ employees
Organizations using virtual
teams:
Increase in Virtual Teams

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Research: Skills Gap
1. Running effective team meetings
2. Celebrating teams’ success
3. Coaching team members
4. Managing team members’ inter-dependent
tasks
5. Holding team members accountable for
results

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Research: Skills Gap
6. Ensuring high work productivity of team
members
7. Conducting regular performance
discussions
8. Getting poor performance back on track
9. Mediating conflict between team members

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The 3C Model
Calibration Collaboration Celebration
Share one action a virtual leader
should take with a virtual team.

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Focus on Collaboration

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Deficiency
Slow decision making
No focus on high-
priority work
Missed deadlines
Low productivity
Staff unprepared for
promotion

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Self-Assessment
Diva/Divo Devotee Disaster
I’m a virtual delegating:

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Delegating Example
What was the last task that you delegated or
that someone delegated to you?

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Example

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Delegating Example

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Application and Practice!
Delegating Example
How could you practice
delegating skills in the virtual
classroom?

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Delegating Example
What insights did you
have about delegating as
you completed the
practice?

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

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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

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3 Deadly Mistakes
#1 #2 #3

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

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6 Tools in Your Kit
Chat
Polling
Annotation Tools
Emoticons/Status Icons
Video/Audio
Breakout Rooms

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

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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

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• Link to download our eBook (Bring Your Mojo to
Virtual Learning)
• Use the discount code from the
eBook to receive $345 off the
VFTC course
Take Our Survey

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Q & A

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Thank You!