When I ran the Webinar on NO-LECTURE WEBINARS participants moaned due to the speed of interaction, largely hyper keyboard pounding. Many were amazed that a webinar is possible without lecture or at least near zero lecture.
My insights, tricks
I ran a survey in advance
Survey allows learners to provide their comments ahead of the webinar.
I ask participants questions related to the content. Advance surveys help learners to learn in advance of the actual session. At the webinar, I use the survey to kick-off the conversations asking learners to comment on some responses from the survey. I DO NOT present (a form of lecture) the survey results. I pick a controversial comment and ask the group to comment.
Cut ideas to essentials
9 out of 10 ideas learners won’t pay attention to; so avoid overload.
One can not allow learners to respond if one is busy lecturing.
Prepare the questions in advance; know the answers in advance
Well prepare questions lead learners to think and smart questions around themes produce almost predictable answers. Let them say it; don’t tell them.
Find enthralling images to present the ideas
An image is a form of a lecture or input, but an image is appreciated because it is not centered on you talking. Images also speak louder than your lecture.
Use controversies, conflicts, metaphors, short stories and pose questions about them
One can’t simply ask bland questions. One has to ignite reactions. Pose the conflict and raise irritations, agitation and strong emotional opinions. Learners react and respond.
Allow learners to respond. Do not be tempted to jump in and fill the void of silence. Allow silence. Learners need time to digest and ponder on your questions.
Use learner’s answers to revert back to learners; pose back their questions and comments to the group. Practice your skill to retype and synthesize learners responses and type it in whiteboards for everyone to respond.
Go beyond the webinar tools
Most of the webinar tools are extensions of the classroom and lectures. For example, draw, poll, raise hands, vote, etc. So I go beyond the Webinar tools. I ask participants to play a game from another site, read a portion of another site, etc.
Commit NOT to lecture in Webinars
Change mind sets. Webinars are here to stay as a tool. Use it smartly.
Ray Jimenez, PhD3Minute Worlds – Learning Community Social Learning, Work and Performance3Minute eLearning Games“Helping Learners Learn Their Way”