Webinar Tips

The Bob Pike Group has been working with several clients lately on how to transfer content from the classroom to an online, real-time environment; we thought others might find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) helpful. So the eZine interviewed Becky Pluth, resident webinar expert. Here are her responses.

When working with clients to move content from the classroom into a webinar, what is the first step you take? First, we identify which classes the client already has that would make good webinars. These might include existing content or other messages and classes they want to put into a live, online interactive format.

How do you choose which content can or should be taught online? Anything that can be tested online can be taught online. With swimming, you can test any of the facts about strokes or the definitions and terms online, but you can’t do that actual skill test online.

What exactly do you do when contracted for webinar consulting? If the client likes their content, we take that and weave in transitions for an online format. We might modify the classroom activities, if they exist, or we create interactions if they don’t. For example, if content has been revisited through a Jeopardy-like format in a classroom in groups of five, we can use Bravo or Gameshow Pro for an online class if a client has either of those products. If not, we’ll modify the game and either put it into a quiz function where they can work in pairs, or create four questions, put them in breakout rooms and have those smaller groups discuss four questions at a time.

What are the biggest differences between classroom and online training facilitation? The level of interaction is very different since you don’t have any face-to-face. Communication is a lot more difficult, the energy is different, and camaraderie is different. You’re basically going to have to create a room of excitement on your own so it’s a lot more output of energy from the facilitator. What we do with our clients is help them create interactivity every four minutes so that the instructor doesn’t have to be “the energy” all by him or herself—the audience is creating the engagement for themselves.

What is the first question clients ask you? If I have a 90-minute class in a classroom, how long should I plan for online? My suggestion is to add about 50 percent more time online to teach a class because you don’t have that face to face time so it takes longer to teach something online. If you’re lecturing in the classroom, you can lecture online for the same amount of time. So we help our clients figure out the most important elements of a 90-minute class. We either pare it down or, instead of doing 27 questions in the classroom, we might do 15 online. The fewer questions still produce the same effect, but allows you to reduce how much time you spend training online.

What are four tips you would give someone moving content from the classroom to online? The most important is that the need-to-know information must be in the workbook, not just on the screen. Second, webinars are for need-to-know only; you’re not going to do any fluff. Third, take a lot more time to be strategic and plan every minute of your webinar. The environment is very different and every minute counts so the extra processing time helps you be ready for anything. Fourth, have a producer. Having a producer is a big help, even if for no other reason than to help reduce stress for the facilitator so you can focus on your content. A producer provides an extra set of hands to help with technicalities, answer questions, solve issues, record the session, work one on one with participants, upload files, send out files and so much more.

What are some creative training tips readers can implement right now for their next webinar? One thing I’ve been doing a lot lately is adding in an element of the season. If I’m doing a webinar in April, I know May Day is coming up so I might do something with that element in it or tie-in some sort of “relief package” activity to Tax Day. Tying into a seasonal theme makes your content that much more timely.

I also like reading USA TODAY and using one of their recent articles, Snaphots or infographics to refer to current events which also helps keep my content current.

Pluth is CEO of The Bob Pike Group. Click on the following links for more information on online learning development public workshops or webinar design consulting.