Teaching in a Virtual ClassroomPresented by: Sandy MonseesTechnology Solutions for JIT Training & LearningNovember 1, 2010

Agenda - Best Practices• At the conclusion of today’s session you will recognize the best

practices for teaching in a virtual classroom including how to:

• Effectively use communication methods

• Recognize Tasks and how to teach to each type

• Discuss Application sharing and Demonstrations

• Define Processes

• Utilize the White Board

• Recognize Facts versus Concepts and best approaches

Synchronous Learning

Goals of teaching in

a virtual classroom

Achieve collaboration

Maximize engagement

Enhance the learning process

Generate creativity

Villano, (2008)

Communication Methods

PicturesAudio

TestPractice

Success in the virtual classroom requires more than applying the same strategies

used in the traditional classroom

Clark & Kwinn, (2007)

Pictures Rule

Impactful pictures plus the right message

provides a dual opportunity for the learners to create a

mental image or mold.

Clark & Kwinn, (2007)

Presence of Audio“Presenting words in audio can lead to better learning than

presenting words in text (Clark & Kwinn, 2007, p. 49).

Example of audio being used to

explain a detailed process

Picture retrieved from: http://media.wiley.com/product_ancillary/26/07879865/DOWNLOAD/PBL.mov

Text to Track NotesWhy Text?

1. Back up if audio issues persist

2. Method to TRACK important notes for future reference

3. Vehicle for all learners to respond or ask questions

Example of text window

Picture retrieved from: http://media.wiley.com/product_ancillary/26/07879865/DOWNLOAD/PBL.mov

Relevant Practice SessionsRole plays, case studies, activities, or practice scenarios need to be realistic

Divide the practice opportunities throughout the learning session

Replace worked examples for practice studies so the learner slowly completes

more of the work Clark & Kwinn, (2007)

Tasks

Step-by-step tasks• Tasks completed the

same way each time.• How to answer a phone in

a call center

In virtual classroom:• Demonstrate the

steps with a job aid• Use Application

sharing

Guideline tasks• Tasks completed based

on the situation.• How to handle a difficult

customer

In virtual classroom:• Create teams to

share ideas• Use Break out rooms

Facilitate Application sharing

Application sharing is an excellent tool

to demonstrate

computer software programs

Clark & Kwinn, (2007) Picture retrieved from: http://media.wiley.com/product_ancillary/26/07879865/DOWNLOAD/PBL.mov

Create Demonstrations

Demonstrations are effective for guideline task events

1. SHOW the demonstration, video clips, Internet search, pre- assignment

2. Learners should TRY to role play the scenario in a Break out room with a small groups

3. Learners should PERFORM the scenario in a Break out room with realistic boundaries, such as a timer

Processes

Data entryName

Spelling

ProductionRight DrugPaperwork

Quality ControlRight Drug

DUR

StagingAssemblyShelved

A process is a sequence of activities that involve different functional groups

Utilize White boards

1. Show diagrams or charts to scope a process2. Explain steps or activities with audio narration3. Use the cueing tools focus learners attention4. Ask questions, such as “Who is responsible

for..”5. Use polling tools, text or audio to capture

responses

Clark & Kwinn, (2007)

Facts versus concepts

Facts• Required information to

perform a task • Computer sign on

• Facts can be presented through job-aids or on- the- job

Concepts• Words that share

common features• Workstation

• In virtual classroom1. Provide overview of tasks2. “Discuss topics that

teach key concepts “ (Clark. & Kwinn, 2007, p.80)

Clark & Kwinn, (2007)

Summary

Effectively use communication

methods

Recognize Tasks and how to

teach to each type

Application sharing and

Demonstrations

Define Processes

Utilize the White board

Recognize Facts versus Concepts

and best approaches

Best practices of teaching in the virtual classroom include effective use of the following components:

References

Clark, R. & Kwinn, A. (2007). The new virtual classroom. San Francisco: Pfeiffer Publishing

Clark, R. C. (2005). Retrieved from:http://media.wiley.com/product_ancillary/26/0

7879865/DOWNLOAD/PBL.mov

Villano, M. (2008). Taking the “A” out of asynchronous. Campus Technology. http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2008/07/Taking-the-A-out-of-Asynchronous.aspx?p=1