Is Virtual Learning Possible?
When I joined my current team at the UW Colleges & Extension, my first assignment was to launch a training program for supervisors. I set a SMART goal to achieve just that. The inherent challenge was the state-wide geographical reach of the 2,500 clients across 75 county offices and 14 campuses. And with the news of major organizational restructuring, I needed to think outside the box to deliver this training program quickly and inexpensively. The answer? Virtual classroom.
Over the years, I have taught courses to develop knowledge and skills for people who oversee the performance of others. All instructions were delivered in a face-to-face learning environment. I never imagined teaching from a remote location or reaching participants who tune in from different locations. I feared that I might replicate already existing services. Participants could previously watch, listen and take quizzes at the end of self-paced learning modules with pre-recorded content. There’s nothing wrong with that approach but I wanted more. I wanted to incorporate interaction among the participants. The answer? LIVE virtual classroom.
After some research, I designed and now deliver a series of courses for employees who direct the work of others (with or without the supervisory titles) or supervise students and/or volunteers. This is not like a typical webinar session where participants listen to slideshows. Instead, interactions are delivered through live video conferencing with shareable audio, video, and chat. Topics and concepts are introduced in a short lecture. To demonstrate comprehension and mastery of the concepts, participants practice interpersonal communication and coaching skills in pairs or small groups through the breakout room feature. These highly interactive activities are by design. Participant engagement is a signature of my curriculum design.
Because all instruction is offered virtually, participants attend classes without leaving their desks. The work day does not get disrupted and participants can seamlessly return to work after class. The institution saves travel costs and maintains productivity by eliminating travel time while supporting learning and development of employees to set them up for smooth transition and future success.
I completely underestimated the possibilities of virtual learning. I was wrong. Virtual learning is interactive and participatory through the use of features such as chat, annotation tools and breakout rooms. My dissatisfaction with text-heavy slideshows compelled me to create new ways to engage participants. This is an exciting way to reach a state-wide audience. This is a cost-effective way to deliver services wherever the service is needed.
Six months of trial and error in virtual classrooms has taught me an important lesson: Stay open and curious about leveraging technology no matter what the field of expertise. For me, it opened a new door to connection and learning.
