As we’ve shifted to online learning, the importance of 5 factors below have particularly stood out:
1. Be specific in aligning expectations on both content deliverables as well as trainer/trainee input
Taking 10-15 minutes at the beginning of a workshop to ask participants about their expectations for the programme is good practice during any workshop. Coming together in an online environment, with limited casual interactions before/after breaks and gaps during which time people can ask little clarifying questions, this precious starting routine has become paramount to kicking off a workshop on the right footing.
2. Increase frequency of probing questions to ensure engagement
The absence of visual cues to gauge participant engagement is very challenging for the best of trainers. It becomes increasingly important to use probing questions to ensure that your audience is both engaging and understanding. Make sure to call out people by name who you have not heard speak for a while. Encourage participants to comment and build on what another participant has said. It’s totally fine for people to sit and quietly listen, but do not give opportunity for anyone to feel like their input is not wanted.
3. Increase frequency of remote collaborative tasks (but reduce time per activity)
Varying training methods with practical and applicable activities is essential. Whereas in a regular training environment the trainer can walk between groups and eave eavesdrop on discussions to ensure a task is well understood, being properly carried out, as well as to challenge deeper thinking and rationalising; online training has higher risk of participants misunderstanding and falling behind. Keeping tasks short helps to minimise any misdirection and bring everyone back to track.
4. Follow-up with participants
People are craving for social interaction now more than ever! Demonstrating care for your participants can rarely go wrong.
5. Be real! Share problems you’ve encountered and let participants share advice from their experiences. Expect to learn from each other
Many of your participants are engaging in online conferences and meetings on a daily basis. The infuriations of IT hick-ups; late-comers; back-ground noises; lack of attention from others; failure to receive ‘must-have’ documents; etc etc are shared by all. Your situation is not unique. Bring in some reality and learn from what your participants are doing. Who knows, you may learn some good tips/content for your next workshop.