What are the most effective strategies for remote workshop facilitation?

I was a classroom IT trainer for 7 years. During this time, I learnt that you need to keep it to the point, train what they need to get them started and working. Don't focus on the exceptions in the process that might or might not ever happen. This is usually the 80% of every day work. The sooner the person is working in the role with what you have taught them, you'll be able to move on and teach them either more depth to their current learning or move on to something else. Remember to take time to validate the learners understanding and give them time to practice and ask questions.

To be successful in your remote workshop, it's best to set up norms and expectations up front: 1. Cameras on and phones / devices off 2. Less lecture and more interaction 3. Role play and shift the accountability to your participants to create and pitch ideas to the broader group 4. Encourage competition and definitely provide a prize at the end 5. If possible, make your workshop fun - include ice breakers, exercises out of the chair/away from the desk for a few minute at a time, and incorporate something your audience can find in their homes to bring the entire group together

In order to guarantee participation and efficiency, remote workshop facilitating demands meticulous preparation and implementation. It entails planning and preparation, selecting the appropriate tools, involving participants straight away, establishing ground rules, offering a variety of activities, efficiently managing time, facilitating conversations, promoting teamwork, using visual aids and documentation, and more. These techniques can help make remote workshop facilitating more productive, engaging, and helpful in reaching the intended goals. Adjust these strategies to the unique requirements and interpersonal dynamics of your group or individuals involved.

Effective remote workshop facilitation involves clear communication, engaging activities, and technology mastery. Begin with a concise agenda, emphasizing interactive elements to maintain participant interest. Leverage collaboration tools like Zoom or Miro for seamless communication and collaborative workspaces. Break down sessions into manageable time blocks, incorporating breaks to prevent fatigue. Encourage active participation through polls, breakout sessions, and Q&A opportunities. Foster a positive and inclusive environment, addressing diverse needs. Prioritize clear instructions and provide technical support. Lastly, solicit feedback to continuously improve future remote workshops, ensuring a dynamic & productive virtual experience.

Leverage interactive tools and breakout sessions to keep remote workshop participants engaged and encourage active participation. Prioritize clear communication, provide pre-workshop materials, and use virtual platforms that support collaboration to enhance the overall remote workshop experience.

Choose your platform carefully! Not all platforms provide great audio or video. My first choice is a platform that has built in noise cancelling that blocks distracting noises like dogs barking or construction equipment. The second thing I look at is what tools like Slide, Mentimeter, Miro, or Mural I am using and how well do they work with my chosen platform. I test everything first. There is nothing worse than your audience trying to listen to you speak and a dog is barking in the background or the tools you chose don't work properly with the collaboration solution. Don't just choose a tool because everyone else is using it. Choose the tool because it is the right tool for your workshop and will deliver the best experience to your class.

Engagement is key... vary the content type can cadence - recognise that we, as humans, have a cycle of attention span. Every 10 or so minutes change the dynamics of the video or remote session - mix show and tell, with interaction and feedback, use practical exercises, show a video. Pre-prepare breakout exercises - stick to 5 or 6 minutes, get people back to share their thoughts before the conversations go off track - knowing they time limited will keep focus

Adapting to the situation involves being flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and reactions of the participants. Facilitators should continuously gauge engagement and understanding levels through polls, surveys, or direct verbal feedback. Real-time input allows for immediate adjustments, whether it's pivoting the focus of discussion, iterating on workshop activities, or improvising with new methods to keep the session effective and engaging. Preparedness for technical glitches, distractions, or disruptions is also crucial, with backup plans and solutions ready to ensure a smooth experience. By being agile and attentive to feedback, facilitators can create a more inclusive, interactive, and successful remote workshop environment.

Don't hesitate to set up a survey that participants can answer at the end of the workshop (a QR code at the end of the workshop can be your go-to). Make it simple, clear, and quick and you will see easily what you did well and what you could improve!