How do you break the ice with learners in a virtual classroom?

Breaking the ice in a virtual classroom can be a game-changer for engagement. Start with a fun poll - ask quirky questions like, "If you were a superhero, what would your power be?" It’s light-hearted and gives everyone a glimpse of each other’s personality. Use breakout rooms for small group discussions on a non-work topic, like favorite travel destinations. Incorporate a quick "show and tell" where participants share something from their workspace or a hobby. Sprinkle in humor and personal anecdotes to create a relaxed atmosphere. And don’t forget to acknowledge each participant by name early on; it makes everyone feel seen and heard. Happy ice-breaking!

One effective way to achieve this is by asking learners to submit two fun facts about themselves before the session and then presenting them in a "Guess Who" style game. This approach has multiple benefits. Firstly, it allows learners to showcase their unique personalities without the pressure of coming up with something interesting on the spot. It also provides an opportunity for learners to get to know each other in a fun and engaging way while fostering some healthy competition, which can increase engagement and motivation. I also find the speed of learners' responses to the fun fact requests can also indicate learners who are particularly engaged, which allows instructors to identify these individuals early in a session.

It's important not to use phrases like 'while we wait' or 'we'll start in five minutes', these kill engagement and can enable learners to start working on other things. I like to introduce myself and my expertise on the subject, then have everyone do the same - From this, I try to establish any expertise I use during the class, do learners have expertise on the software I'm training or in the field? I can then encourage these individuals to answer questions from others in the class to involve the learners more. After this, what are you binging on Netflix, what book are you reading, and what music is on your rotation - I always like to get recommendations and it helps the learners relax and chat with each other.

I like to refer to the group as participants, the class is going to be active and require their involvement throughout. Explain that the space is safe for any questions, we all have them, and even if you think it's silly someone is likely thinking it and I likely asked it when I learnt it too. Explaining the format of the class like that it will be hands-on and what that will involve, what I expect of them with this, and that I'll be checking in on them throughout and also doing knowledge checks along the way to make sure we are all progressing well and that I'm good to move on and that I'm happy to go back over things to support.

I like to break the structure of the material into five parts: 1 - Introduce - Bringing in the new concept/process in the software, can you do this by relating it to a real-world story? 2 - Guided practice - Walk them through the steps of this new concept/process encouraging questions throughout. It's important to not overwhelm them with too many instructions or background information. 3 - Independent practice - Can the learners now repeat this themselves a couple of times to begin building 'muscle memory' of this concept/process? 4 - Advance/Explore - If the concept/process was to add something, can the learners figure out how to edit by themselves, for example? 5 - Reflect/feedback - Is everyone comfortable? can you do a knowledge check?

With the rise of remote learning, icebreakers have become even more crucial. My favorite is "Two Truths and a Lie." It creates an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect, where everyone's contributions are valued. Additionally, it helps to reduce stress levels and ease nerves. By starting with a fun and interactive activity, learners are more likely to feel comfortable, which can lead to more open and honest communication. The game promotes active listening and critical thinking skills. The group must actively listen and engage with each other to identify which statement is false. In addition, it promotes a safe environment where learners feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.

I always get more feedback participation if I allot 5 to 10 minutes at the end of a session, offer a link or QR code to an anonymous survey, and encourage the participants to complete the survey before signing off rather than firing off an email with the same link after the session. Strike while the iron is hot, and communicate the value of the feedback, both good and bad. The survey should only have 3 to 5 questions and keep them short. Also, offer one optional opportunity for them to write candidly about their feelings about the session if they have more to say. Generally, people like to give feedback but don't want to be inconvenienced while doing it.

Breaking the ice in a virtual classroom is essential for fostering engagement and creating a comfortable learning environment. In my opinion, you can do the following: 1. Introductions: Learners share name, location, and a fun fact. 2. Polls/Surveys: Use interactive questions related to the topic. 3. Icebreaker Games: Engage in collaborative activities. 4. Acknowledge Participation: Recognize and appreciate contributions. 5. Approachability: Foster a supportive environment. By incorporating these strategies, you can effectively break the ice in a virtual classroom, setting the stage for meaningful interactions and productive learning experiences.