What’s your Virtual Effect?

Tips to be More Successful in the Virtual Classroom

Presented by:

Dawn M. SmithLearning Expert,Mondo Learning Solutions

Imagine that I write a column in a local journal called “Dear Virtual Vicki”. Trainers, instructors, facilitators, and even faculty write in with questions, problems, or issues they’ve encountered while Virtual Training. Let’s get started…Let’s get started…Let’s get started…Let’s get started…

Here’s the scenario:

Dear Virtual Vicki –

I have been asked to teach a computer class using virtual technology. My concern is how do I teach someone remotely, when they don’t even have basic skills, like using a mouse?

Please help!

--Mouseless in Seattle

Dear Mouseless in Seattle–

• Pre-work exercises• Slow-paced class• Time to practice• Patience, empathy, and compassion• “Study Buddies”

Dear Virtual Vicki –

I am new to teaching “live” online. I have a soft-skills class that I’d like to try, but have been told by numerous people that this is not the type of class to teach online.

What are your thoughts?

--Joe

Dear Joe –

• Blended learning approach -- what fits where?• Utilize self-study, offline discussions,

even incorporate social media• Transition exercises• Small class sizes and breakout rooms

Web�based Training(WBT)

AsynchronousTraining

Synchronous Training

Different time/Different Place

Different time/Same Place Same time/Different Place

So, what fits where?

Web�based Training(WBT)

• Self�study Materials• Long readings or passages• Facts, Numbers, Statistics• Mobile Learning “snippets”• Job�Aids or Just�in�Time Learning

Modules

So, what fits where?

Asynchronous Training

• Case studies and scenarios• Exercises that require additional

analysis or research• Time�consuming activities that can be

broken up into phases or modules• Pre or post course work• Social Learning (i.e. Facebook,

Twitter)

So, what fits where?

Synchronous Training

• Exercises that require immediate interaction or response

• Coaching or mentoring• Role�playing activities• Demonstrations or presentations• Application sharing

Dear Virtual Vicki –

I have been teaching night classes at a local community college. My department chair wants me to teach live, online.

So, I put all my PowerPoint slides into the virtual classroom and did all my demos flawlessly (with app sharing), while speaking through my slides without a hitch. But I still got low ratings on my evaluation.

What did I do wrong?

&&Teacher with Habits

Dear Teacher with Habits –

• Redesign content/delivery• New activities• Must compensate for lack of “body language”• New set of facilitation tools• Help students learn how to learn

Dear Virtual Vicki –

I have taught a couple of classes

virtually, but I am having difficulty

with the ‘multi-tasking’ aspect. There

is so much that I need to watch in the

class, while delivering the content

smoothly.

Any suggestions?

--Frazzled

Dear Frazzled –

• Cock-pit design

• Eliminate all other distractions

• “Shadow” session

• Practice, practice, practice

Dear Virtual Vicki –

I have tried teaching online, but have difficulty just talking at my computer screen instead of to live people.

What can I do?

--Talking to No One

Dear Talking to No One–

• Put up pictures of people• Ask questions and encourage engagement• Use multimedia presentations• Webcams?

Questions???

Now it’s your turn…

Draw yourself a picture!

Thanks for your time!

I will be available for additional

questions at the

Mondo Learning Solutions exhibitor’s

table…

See you there!