From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom

© 2015 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved. 1

From Blah to Aha!Engaging Learners in the

Virtual Classroom

October 7, 2015


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


About Cynthia Clay

• 25+ years of experience• Author of Great Webinars • An expert in collaborative,

engaging virtual learning


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#virtuallearning


Purpose Poll

What do you hope to gain from this webinar?


“Blah”


Deadly Mistakes

What deadly mistakes have you experienced in webinars?


Deadly Mistake #1

Failing to capitalize on the visual medium


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


Deadly Mistake #2

Not engaging learners in the discussion


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


Deadly Mistake #3

Lecturing until…


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

14© 2015 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved.

Discovery Learning

What is discovery learning?


Discovery Learning

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


Discovery Learning

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


Types of Discovery Learning

Guided discovery (inquiry-based)Observation and reflectionProblem solvingSimulation-basedCase studies


Discovery Process

1. Prepare the learner with information2. Ask questions to encourage reflection3. Provide examples and models4. Demonstrate, if applicable


Discovery Process

5. Offer a case or identify a problem6. Allow peers to collaborate and problem solve7. Debrief to elicit connections and relationships8. Plan for application



• 46% overall• 66% multi-national

organizations• 80% with 10,000+ employees

Organizations using virtual teams:

Increase in Virtual Teams


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


Research: Skills Gap

6. Ensuring high work productivity of team members

7. Conducting regular performance discussions

8. Getting poor performance back on track9. Mediating conflict between team members


The 3C Model

Calibration Collaboration Celebration

Share one action a virtual leader should take with a virtual team.


Focus on Collaboration


Delegating Example


Delegating Deficiency

Slow decision makingNo focus on high-priority workMissed deadlines

Low productivityStaff unprepared for promotion


Self-Assessment

Diva/Divo Devotee Disaster

I’m a virtual delegating:


Delegating Example

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


Delegating Example


Delegating Example


Delegating Example


Delegating Example


Delegating Example


Delegating Example


Application and Practice!

Delegating Example

How could you practice delegating skills in the virtual classroom?


Delegating Example

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


Discovery Process

1. Prepare the learner with information2. Ask questions to encourage reflection3. Provide examples and models4. Demonstrate, if applicable


Discovery Process

5. Offer a case or identify a problem6. Allow peers to collaborate and problem solve7. Debrief to elicit connections and relationships8. Plan for application


3 Deadly Mistakes

#1 #2 #3


5 Discovery Practices

Guided discovery (inquiry-based)Observation and reflectionProblem solvingSimulation-basedCase studies


6 Tools in Your Kit

ChatPollingAnnotation ToolsEmoticons/Status IconsVideo/AudioBreakout Rooms


“Aha” Moments

What have you learned today that will increase your effectiveness in the virtual classroom?


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


• Link to download our eBook (Bring Your Mojo to Virtual Learning)

• Use the discount code from theeBook to receive $345 off theVFTC course

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Q & A

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Thank You!

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From Blah to Aha: Engaging Learners in the Virtual Classroom