Participation in an Independent Learning Activity

1. Participation in an Independent Learning Activity Karen Hopkins Colorado State University-EDAE 590 Dr. Don Quick, Professor July 09, 2012

2. The activity: A webinar

3. The Activity • I participated in a recorded webinar session on July 7, 2012. Webinars are online seminars and trainings that are conducted live, in real time. Participants are able to listen to the facilitator from their computers and participate in the session. • The recorded webinar only allowed me to listen and view the presentation as well as take notes because the live event took place prior to July 7th . The webinar was facilitated by Kyla Hunt and Stephanie Gerding at Techsoup.org.

4. The Activity (cont.) • Techsoup.org is a nonprofit organization that specializes in “providing services to other nonprofits and libraries with technology that empowers them to fulfill their mission and serve their communities. As part of that goal, we provide technology products and information geared specifically to the unique challenges faced by nonprofits and libraries.” [Cited: http://home.techsoup.org/pages/about.aspx]. • I chose TechSoup.org because they offer resources that assist nonprofits with efficiency. Since I plan to work with nonprofits, I decided to find out whether or not I would consider the webinar platform for distance learning.

5. DISTANCE LEARNING “We are ready to learn!”

6. Distance Learning: Webinar Platforms • There are numerous platforms used for webinars including ReadyTalk, GoToWebinar and GoToTraining just to name a few. In my opinion, the “GoTo” Citrix products are very reliable. I know associates who use their products and I have used the GoToMyPC product in my business and was very pleased with it.

7. Distance Learning: Webinar Setup • The topic I learned about was “Training an Invisible Audience: Delivering Effective Webinars.” • [Cited: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/training/webinars/page13416.cfm] • The objective of Techsoup’s webinar was to show participants how to create their own webinars to train anyone, anywhere. They presented several steps on how to get started: • (1) preparation • (2) design • (3) delivery • With this information, I created a visual handout. Click this link to view and print the handout. (If there is a problem with the handout link, I have also included a pdf version in the discussions board.)

8. Distance Learning: Yes to Webinars • The handout is my way of illustrating that learning transfer has occurred. I also want to share the visual aid with my colleagues. • In the past, I participated in a few webinars as a learner, but never approached the idea as a facilitator. I believe it is another useful tool to improve the online learning atmosphere.

9. LITERATURE

10. “University of Illinois at Chicago demystifies financial aid with GoToWebinar.” http://www.citrix.com/English/aboutCitrix/caseStudies/caseStudy.asp?storyID=2312822&ntref=hp_promo_UIC_cs A variety of visuals help capture and maintain the attention of the participants. Here is an example of a webinar with many different visuals: http://advocacy.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/NOSCA-OTT-College-Aspirations-Webinar.pdf Literature

11. PROS and CONS

12. The Pros • There are many advantages to using a webinar. Below are a few: • Training is unlimited and unrestricted – anyone can participate in webinars anytime and anywhere. Some webinars are free while others require a fee. • Saves money by cutting the cost of travel – webinar participation can happen at home or work so there is no need to pay for a plane or train ticket. • Able to reach a large audience –The entire webinar is conducted online and can reach almost anyone in the world. This makes for an enriched and diverse learning environment.

13. The Cons • Since you cannot see your audience, you cannot see their reactions! • People tend to lose interest when the webinar doesn’t have enough ‘liveliness’ to hold their attention. I can see how this would apply to Continuing Education courses. The information is usually standard and repetitive. So facilitators need to be creative if they want learners to retain the material. • People who multi-task during webinars might miss out on important information. Examples of multi-tasking include answering emails, texting, or pre-occupied with other tasks. Whatever the case may be, the reason is usually because the facilitator has lost their audience’s interest somehow. Facilitators should remember to plan diverse and interesting webinars; consider multicultural, learning styles and levels, varying adult age groups, etc.

14. TIPS The next couple of slides offer a few Webinar Tips from the presentation along with my tips from a learner’s viewpoint.

15. Tips for Setting up Webinars The Techsoup.org webinar pointed out several tips to capture the audience’s attention: • use a variety of visuals (e.g. clip art, photos, short videos, etc.) • provide a way for participants to give you feedback about the webinar presentation • use a storytelling approach • make the webinar interactive (e.g. provide a link for attendees to participate in a brief activity or survey, etc.) • make connections with the audience and respond accordingly • use good energy in your presentation (e.g. before the presentation, exercise to boost energy levels, stand up during the event, smile throughout , etc.) • Finally practice before you air the webinar.

16. Tips/Suggestions (my feedback) I think practice and presentation are key. As a learner and facilitator, I noticed a few things during the webinar that either lost my attention or could have been done differently: • There were too many “ums” and repeated words such as “really, really”. • Suggestion: Use an expanded vocabulary and practice the presentation. • The slides did not change fast enough and there wasn’t much “interest” in the visuals. • Suggestion: Time each slide; use a variety of visuals with bright colors, charts, pictures, etc. Make sure the visuals are in sync with the audience. • The presentation was too long. • Suggestion: Break it up into 20 or 30 minute segments (e.g. Part 1, Part 2, etc.)

17. CONCLUSION

18. In closing… • The information I received from Techsoup’s webinar was informative. I learned how webinars can be used to facilitate synchronous learning sessions. I also learned the challenges of maintaining the learners’ interest. • I think webinars could be an optional online synchronous platform for learners who prefer real time interaction. I also think it is a great tool to use for online workshops. However, I would not use the webinar platform for complex trainings that require in-person assistance.

19. Additional Resources • What is a Webinar? • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWz8ppM9DzM&feature=related • How to Create Great Webinars-Slide Development • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxKehDxwONY&feature=related •  Implement Pausing to Create Great Webinars • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9vMFF5gKII&feature=relmfu

20. References Citrix Systems, (n.d.) Retrieved on July 8, 2012 from http://www.citrix.com/lang/English/home.asp Jeavons, S. (2010). How to Create Great Webinars-Slide Development. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxKehDxwONY&feature=related Jeavons, S. (2010). Implement Pausing to Creat Great Webinars. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9vMFF5gKII&feature=relmfu Mayervirtualconsult (2011). What is a Webinar? Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWz8ppM9DzM&feature=related Microsoft Offices Images (n.d.). Retrieved on July 9, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97 ReadyTalk, (n.d.). Retrieved on July 8, 2012 from http://www.readytalk.com/ Techsoup.org, (n.d.) Retrieved on July 8, 2012 from http://home.techsoup.org/pages/default.aspx