virtual training - Katrina Kennedy Training

30Aug 2023 by Katrina Kennedy 1 Comment

How To Guide Breakouts with Timed Arrows

Blog

You click join and find yourself transported into a breakout room. After a long pause, someone asks, "so, what were we supposed to talk about?" Have you experienced that awkward moment in a virtual breakout room? We've all been there. No one is sure of what we are talking about. No one knows who is going to start. It's fixable with a few quick PowerPoint slides. Adding timed arrows to PowerPoint slides you then share to breakout rooms can change that awkward moment AND increase engagement. In this video I show you how to quickly and easily add animation and transitions to your slides. Use them to guide discussions, provide multiple step instructions, and increase the interaction and value of your breakout rooms. The Steps First you will select the…

24Aug 2021 by Katrina Kennedy No Comments

Five Things You Need To STOP Doing In Virtual Training

Blog

You've probably facilitated more virtual classes in the last year than you can count. You've unmuted, muted, and shared your screen numerous times. And, like me, you've made some mistakes. Whatever your experience level there are five things you need to stop doing in virtual training. These five things distract learners from your content and make you look unprofessional. Stop leaving computer notification on. Stop saying this isn't like "real" classroom training. Stop using the wrong method to get learner responses. Stop using multiple bullet pointed lists. Stop missing opportunities for learners to do the work. Are you doing any of the five? Now's a great time to stop. Let me explain each. STOP Leaving Computer Notifications On I don't want to hear your computer ping with notifications. Hearing someone…

17Aug 2021 by Katrina Kennedy 4 Comments

How To Use Four Creative Methods To Prompt Learner Responses

Blog

We need connection. We need feedback. We need interaction in class. Asking questions of learners is one way we obtain connection, feedback, and interaction. BUT... You ask a question. And nothing happens. Nothing. What can you do to change this situation? How can you get responses from learners? Zoom fatigue is real. Screen time and Covid and social distancing and working from home have exhausted all of us. Everything feels like it takes a little more effort. Answering your question is hard. Learners will play the wait for someone else game until you change your approach. Here are four creative methods to prompt learner responses Give Me 4 "I'm looking for four responses. Who's got number one." This phrase prompts everyone to attention. We've got a goal. I hold my…

27Apr 2021 by Katrina Kennedy 1 Comment

How To Use Questions To Reveal Possibilities & Deepen Learning

Blog

Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash Have you observed learners sitting quietly in the virtual classroom waiting for someone else to answer your question? Yes, you could have people respond in the chat. But what about that rich, verbal exchange you loved so much from the traditional classroom space? "People don't participate in virtual discussions." Thirty people in the Zoom meeting considered the problem for a moment. "Don't respond yet," I said. "We are going to try an experiment." I was willing to try anything. "For the next four minutes, please raise your hand and ask a question related to our problem. Two rules though, no justification and no excusing. Just ask your question. I'll record it. Our goal is twenty questions in four minutes." "For the next four minutes,…

20Apr 2021 by Katrina Kennedy No Comments

How To Keep People From Leaving Early

Blog

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash The clock ticked closer to the hour and the exodus began. Messages began to drop into chat, "I've got a meeting at 11:00." "I need to be on a call at the hour." Have you been victim of the On The Hour Exodus? Frustrated that people don't stay until the end of the class or meeting you've so carefully orchestrated? Have you heard the lament of people who don't want to go but they've been scheduled for something else by someone else? The virtual meeting space has created a scheduling nightmare. It's so easy to think, "I can fit that in." Suddenly we are overbooked without a five minute breather or bathroom break between our virtual sessions. It seems one important way to overcome zoom…

16Apr 2021 by Katrina Kennedy No Comments

How To Create Powerful Producer Notes For Virtual Training

Blog

You know the benefits of using a producer, but how do you manage your roles and relationship? Clear communication between a producer and trainer will make your life easier and your training more professional. My virtual training is successful because of my producer. Without her managing attendance, opening breakout rooms, monitoring time, and troubleshooting technical issues I would not be able to focus on learners and the content I'm sharing. The key to our success? Producer notes. Our notes are a living document we actively maintain as we work through class. My producer notes are: Created in Google SheetsCreated for every class offering Shared with my producer so she can edit as neededAre all kept in one spreadsheet with completed classes are hiddenNever printed Why A Spreadsheet? You might be…

09Apr 2021 by Katrina Kennedy 1 Comment

Do You Need A Producer For Virtual Learning?

Blog

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash Do you need a producer to assist you with virtual learning? Yes. There's my answer. Simply yes. In my mind, it's really nonnegotiable. Why? A good virtual producer makes it easier for you, the facilitator, to focus on two things: 1. The Learners 2. The Content By its vary nature training in the virtual environment means you are juggling multiple things -- the technology, your content, your camera, and learner engagement. While you do that learners have to connect to the classroom, find all of the features to maneuver through their experience, and find any supplemental materials like handouts and participant guides. It only takes one person who can't hear or see things to stop the momentum of an entire class. My producer, Michelle, is…

29Mar 2021 by Katrina Kennedy No Comments

How To Manage Cameras In Virtual Instructor Led Training

Blog

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash In the last year trainers have been challenged to learn new skills, use new technologies, and facilitate in an unfamiliar way. The camera is the most controversial component of virtual instructor led training (VILT). Off? On? How do we handle it? My perspective on camera usage is...be flexible. I love when I can see learners. I love when I can see the changes as they respond to what I say and do. But with the shift in our work world there are at least five reasons for being flexible with cameras. People are in their homesPeople have children and other people in their homes learning, working, and livingMany organizations haven't provided adequate computer equipmentMany people don't have adequate internet connectivity to support videoPeople are tired, really tired…

26Mar 2021 by Katrina Kennedy 2 Comments

How To Lead Successful Virtual Breakout Room Activities

Blog

"You have fifteen minutes to network," the facilitator announced. The breakout rooms opened and I was transported into a new space with four strangers. A long, awkward silence was followed by the timid words, "what are we supposed to do?" We all wondered the same thing. Are you sending participants into breakout room blackholes? Are you sending them to their rooms hoping they'll make the most of it? There is a better way! I use FIVE RULES OF BREAKOUT ROOMS in all of my training. Yes, I said rules. Rules because if you follow these participants will know what to do and have a more productive time. My Five Breakout Room Rules Give clear, specific instructions Keep groups small Assign a facilitator Set a time limit Ask facilitators to report…

19Mar 2021 by Katrina Kennedy No Comments

How To Connect With Learners Moments Before Class Begins

Blog

Imagine two situations. Which would you prefer? SITUATION ONE: You sign into the Zoom (or Teams or WebEx) session. There is a PowerPoint slide that says, "welcome to class." And silence. Nothing else. You just wait. Maybe you check email. Maybe you get up go get a cup of coffee. SITUATION TWO: You sign into the Zoom session. You are greeted by a person who says, "welcome Joe. Glad to have you here." The screen has a list of things to do before you get started. You read through it. It reminds you to turn off any distractions, so you do. It asks you to share a specific tidbit about yourself in chat. You do. You read the others. And then class begins. The moment someone arrives in training you…

Tag: virtual training