As winner of PQ Magazine Online College of the Year 2020 and also of Best Distance Learning Provider in the 2020 AAT Awards we have a proven wealth of expertise in online training that we can pass on to you. Platform selection, material creation and adaptation, learning activity management and maximising attendee engagement. We can help you to embrace this new approach to internal training confidently and effectively.
In our first session, FI tutor’s Carol Bowhill-Mann and Tanya Floringer shared their guide on delivering online training. In the second session, Michelle Parish from the Learning and Performance Institute presented FEARLESS FACILITATION. This guide includes seven confidence-boosting tips to make virtual meetings standout. She also shared 3 things you should NEVER do!
Session 1 – Friday 16th August
Online Delivery – Delivering and Engaging Part 1
First Intuition Tutors, Carol Bowhill-Mann and Tanya Floringer joined us to share how they have found the change to delivering remotely. This included their tips for running a successful online session. They discussed the use of different software and suggested ways to boost engagement. Carol and Tanya have produced a comprehensive blog covering their thoughts which can be found here.
Key points that arose from this session include:
- Just as in the traditional classroom, correctly preparing your online session makes all the difference. Make sure you are comfortable with the software. Plan breaks, quizzes and polls to keep the session interesting. Quiz platforms such as Menti and Kahoot are easy to use and excellent for making sessions fun.
- Whilst Zoom has secured the top spot for online delivery, Tanya and Carol also covered similar software such as Teams and Adobe Connect. They discussed how employers can use these platforms for functions that Zoom does not provide.
- It’s important to test and have fun with the software you choose. Don’t be afraid to give attendees the reins for certain tools and in break-out rooms.
- Communicating effectively whilst delivering online is important. Make sure all emails have clear headings. Check that attendees have the right set up before sending over resources to ensure they will be able to work alongside you during the session.
You can watch the session using the link below:
Session 2 – Friday 21st August
Online Delivery – Delivering and Engaging Part 2
This week we were joined by Michelle Parish from the Learning and Performance Institute. Michelle delivered her presentation FEARLESS FACILITATION – 7 confidence-boosting tips that will make your virtual meetings sing (and 3 things you should NEVER do!).
Her approach to switching her own camera off during much of her presentation was a revelation for many, as was her insight that “the chat box is your friend”. She also helped with approaches to monitoring her audience’s ‘online body language’ when they don’t have their own cameras on.
Key points that arose from this session include:
- Ensure you are comfortable with the technology, you are using. When delivering online, it’s important that you are comfortable using the software. However, you also need to ensure you can troubleshoot minor issues that may come up for attendees.
- Be prepared. Have a checklist of what you need for the session such as resources, for instance. Log on early to ensure all software is working correctly.
- Grab the attention of your delegates early on in the session. It’s important to engage the attendees straight away and interact with them. This will set the tone for the duration of the session.
- Familiarise participants with the technology. This will help the session run smoothly whilst boosting engagement and communication. In addition, if the attendee is not aware of how to use the technology it will be tricky for them to interact whilst you’re delivering the session.
- Involve the audience. When delivering online you may have to be more creative in how you involve the attendees. Use names and acknowledge comments in the chat-box. Use reactions and emoji’s if the software supports these functions.
- How you use your voice is key. This is just as important when delivering online as it is in the classroom. How you speak and interact at the beginning can set the tone for your whole session.
- Always have a back-up plan. This could be back up software to use if the platform goes down, for example. Equally, it could be as simple as having spare batteries for wireless equipment. Knowing you have a backup allows you to relax and enjoy delivering the session.
You can watch the recording using the link below:
Top Tips for Online delivery
You may find these handy downloadable and printable top tips useful when preparing and running online sessions.
Facilitating Virtual Meeting and Events – 10 Top Tips
Previous Think Tank Friday Forums
If you missed any of our previous sessions, you can use the links below to catch up.
