10 Tips for Engaging Learners Online

We are the only species capable of continuous learning throughout our lives at the pace in which we were wired to learn. Today, Teachers, Educators, and Learning Administrators are all faced with the same challenge: How can we convert all of our traditional classroom learning to a format where we can engage learners online? When we say “online”, it is not restricted to a Virtual Classroom where all learners are logged in and participating at the same time (synchronous learning). Learning doesn’t all need to be taught — it’s called “learning” for a reason, because only one person is accountable for demonstrating competence — the “learner”.

There are many ways learning objectives may be achieved:

Reading

Watching a Video

Listening to a Podcast (recording)

Virtual Classroom (Synchronous and Asynchronous)

Coaching

Individual and Group Assignments

Quizzes and Tests

Interactive Simulations

Here are the 10 tips to help facilitate an effective learning experience, especially when converting traditional delivery methods to an online world:

Create a Safe Learning Environment

Set ground rules and let the learner audience know what is expected, and what will not be tolerated. Encourage learners to share their thoughts verbally or in the online “chat” feature.

Learning Goals and Objectives

Restate the learning goal of the lesson. Remember, this “community” of learners are gathered to achieve the same goal; sometimes they need to be reminded of why they are there and what they will have an opportunity to gain by the end of the session.

Configure Lessons into Bite-Sized Manageable Chunks of Content

Online learning and virtual instruction can be challenging for new learners. By configuring lesson plans into smaller chunks of information, it will be easier for the learner to digest.

Learning Strategy

What tools and resources will be used to emphasize what the learners need to gain from the session? Videos, Power Point Presentations, Guest Speakers and other learning media can be used in a virtual classroom. Consider organizing a “virtual field trip” by engaging with others outside of the learning organization to join via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or some other visually stimulating medium.

Learning Style Audience Consideration

We have Audio, Video and Kinesthetic learners. Consider how you facilitate a learning experience meeting the needs of these audiences. Learners have preferences and so do teachers. Teachers tend to teach using their preferred learning preference. The best learning experience will have a blend of Audio, Video and Kinesthetic discussions, exercises, and words.

A new “style” of language is emerging: PC and Console gaming language. Yes, all those years of playing video games and audiences have developed their own language. Word choice is critical when engaging audiences, so consider your audience’s needs. Integrating words like avatar, checkpoint, level-up, campaign, cheat, screen-cheat, and co-op will all help make additional connections when used in conversation with gamers (which is most of us).

Facilitating a Learning Experience instead of Teaching Content

The teacher can shift away from being the “sage on the stage” and spend more time as the “guide on the side”. Rather than the Teacher being the expert that stands between the Learner and the Subject matter, the Teacher becomes a facilitator of a learning experience. Consider soliciting volunteers ahead of time to lead or facilitate discussions.

Provide Learners a Role in the Learning Experience

Facilitating a virtual learning experience or online class requires a different approach because we are now working in a virtual environment and not a physical one. Help learners take ownership of the learning experience by asking thought provoking questions and challenging the learners to ask questions of the content and each other. Everyone can learn without being “taught” something.

Tap into the Collective Wisdom of the Learner Audience

Rather providing immediate answers to questions asked by the learners, challenge the audience to provide the answer. As long as a percentage of the learner audience did the homework, they should be able to answer the majority of questions during the session. As the facilitator, play the role of prompting and encouraging participation.

Set High Expectations and Expect Results

Assign pre-reading in advance of the online learning experience and hold learners accountable for demonstrating their knowledge.

Measure Effectiveness and Continuously Improve

While adapting to virtual learning environments be considerate of your audiences’ knowledge and needs. Conduct a survey after a few sessions to collect valuable feedback and identify opportunities for improvement. Perhaps some content covered was confusing in the virtual setting with the instructor talking and a pre-read or video would have been more effective. Address key trends and discuss exactly WHAT has been improved as a result of learner input, and they will continue providing candid feedback when asked.

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