Recently, we explored the theory behind how facilitators can quantify and qualify learner engagement in the virtual classroom. A theoretical foundation provides a jumping off point for practical application.
Our team relies on a number of tried-and-true facilitation methods to connect with live online learners more deeply and more meaningfully. For virtual facilitators, effectively “reading their audience” ensures learning actually happens.
These three techniques allow you, the facilitator, to move beyond basic presentation skills and towards more effective instruction that encourages learners to synthesize ideas and apply what they’ve learned in the protective classroom environment.
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Topics:
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Advanced Facilitation
Good modern learning facilitators possess virtual classroom literacy, are technically savvy, and practice good time management skills.
All three of these characteristics contribute to a solid foundational skillset.
But taking your competencies from good to great involves an advanced approach to learner engagement, platform management, and content delivery.
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Topics:
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Advanced Facilitation
What makes a virtual classroom facilitator good at what they do? Clients and learners ask us this question regularly. Heck, we ask ourselves this question regularly since it speaks to the fundamental value we deliver through our work! Because facilitators deeply impact the overall blend, our answer addresses technical expertise AND those fuzzy soft skills.
In our experience as both learners and experts, good virtual classroom facilitators….
- Demonstrate virtual classroom literacy.
- Are digitally literate.
- Manage time well.
In practice, these skillsets focus on the learner first, while the technology offers a way to achieve their goals.
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Topics:
Facilitation,
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Professional Development,
Advanced Facilitation
In modern blended learning, what learners think about information presented during the training experience matters. In fact, our research shows that this learner reaction perfectly defines the concept of intellectual engagement.
Intellectual engagement relies on intent. Did we design this content in a way that encourages learners perceive it as relevant, timely, and efficient? Did we deliver the information thoughtfully so that learners understand what the business expects of them?
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Topics:
Advanced Facilitation,
Advanced Facilitation Learner Engagement
This is the second installment in a three-part series that explores actionable approaches facilitators can use to improve learner engagement through purposeful facilitation.
Can the virtual classroom actually achieve the same learning results as a face-to-face approach? Or is it a ‘second best’ solution?
I believe that, if our approach is authentic and well-designed, facilitators can ensure that virtual learning is REAL learning. And help learners recognize this as well.
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Topics:
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Advanced Facilitation,
Intellectual Engagement,
learner engagement,
Advanced Facilitation Learner Engagement
Virtually There Session Recap
Virtual classrooms make up just one piece of the modern digital learning experience. Facilitators have the tall order of creating learner engagement in this complex, technical, and sometimes distant-feeling learning environment.
Karen Vieth, Lead Facilitator for InSync Training, has nearly two decades of experience overcoming these challenges and helping others build their skills as virtual instructors. During her recent Virtually There session with Jennifer Hofmann, she shared three advanced facilitation tips that have become cornerstones to her instructional approach.
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Topics:
Advanced Facilitation
Whether presenting an informational webinar or facilitating a multi-part virtual learning series that’s part of a larger blend, teaching live online requires pizzazz and purpose.
As more corporate L&D programs move online, a tried-and-true facilitation process can set you up for success (in fact, we offer a comprehensive train-the-trainer program to help practitioners create a comprehensive toolkit).
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Topics:
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Modern Classroom,
Advanced Facilitation
In the mid-1990s, virtual classrooms (then known as ‘synchronous’ classrooms) were new. (Don’t believe me? Read some history here!) So new, most people had never heard of them.
But the people who HAD heard of virtual training were very excited. Soon, they proclaimed, none of us would ever have to go to a brick and mortar classroom again! All the ingredients were present to disrupt the Training & Development industry: trainers, participants, and PowerPoint slides! What else did we need?
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Topics:
Virtual Classroom - Facilitation,
Modern Classroom,
Advanced Facilitation