How to make live webinars work for you: Tips from a training consultant and eLearning moderator

It is no secret that the professional world is experiencing a cultural shift in how we facilitate our courses. In March, the term ‘webinar’ saw a significant growth in how many times it was searched on Google. Because of these analytics, we can see how professionals are adapting to this new normal amid COVID-19 in real time. Unsurprisingly, there is some confusion, apprehension, and stress among presenters and attendees new to the online training world. Prior to ‘social distancing’, the availability of eLearning resources was and is vast. Online courses, live webinars, e-conferences, webcasts, are not foreign concepts. However, only recently has it felt like eLearning has switched from a want and evolved into a need. That said, adapting to this new normal does not need to be a daunting task. I am a huge supporter of finding the most efficient ways of providing valuable and reliable information. As a result, the foundation of my career has been structured around bridging the gap between known information and practical applicability.

How the Global Institute of Forensic Research utilizes eLearning

The Global Institute of Forensic Research (GIFR), a brand of Multi-Health Systems Inc., is the leading provider of high-quality online training for forensic mental health and criminal justice professionals, presented by experts and thought leaders in the field. I serve as the training consultant and service developer for the GIFR online training platform. My role is to ensure the promotion and rapid dissemination of developmentally informed evidence-based best practices in assessment, treatment, and case management via online courses. GIFR hosts various interactive live webinars and on demand courses designed to provide comprehensive best practices trainings for professionals around the world. In the last 4 years, I have had the opportunity to moderate over 100 live webinars for GIFR. In 2019 alone, I hosted 27 live webinars and produced 10 on demand trainings for GIFR.

With this experience, I have been able to form some tips that I hope will help make your transition into the virtual eLearning world a smoother one.

Tip #1: Learn the benefits of online training.

According to the US Department of Education, Web-based training not only results in the same level of knowledge acquisition as in-person training, but also an improved level of knowledge retention. On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction. Additionally, the added convenience of online learning enables those to obtain training that would otherwise not been able to whether due to budgetary travel constraints or time zone obstacles.

Tip #2: Familiarize yourself with the technology

Reliable hardware and software will make the biggest difference when it comes to your webinar teaching experience. When it comes to planning, it does not hurt to consider Murphy’s Law – Anything that can go wrong will go wrong to help cover all potential scenarios. Test out your equipment (software and hardware) prior to your online session to ensure that everything is working correctly. Ask a friend or colleague to attend your live test and provide you with feedback on the video and audio quality. Additionally, anyone with an internet connection knows that internet networks can be unexpectedly fickle. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your network’s bandwidth capabilities to help determine which online platform to use. You can begin simply by testing your internet speed and connection. This is possible via resources such as https://www.speedtest.net/ The general recommendation is that you have at least 5 Mbps of upload speed. The faster your internet connection is, the better the video quality will be for your participants. Another common recommendation is to plug in to a hard-wired ethernet connection rather than use Wi-Fi. This will improve performance and stability. If you can only connect through Wi-Fi, be sure that your signal is at 100% and be as close to your router as possible during your webinar.

Here is a great article on how to troubleshoot common video conferencing problems: https://www.cohesiveglobal.com/blog/video-conferencing-problems-troubleshooting-tips/

Tip #3: Avoid seeing online teaching exclusively through the lens of face-to-face courses.

It is understandable to initially be apprehensive about the integrity of course content that is presented in a face-to-face setting to remain in an online one. Fortunately, there are several proven techniques to ensure that the objectives of content usually delivered in-person are fulfilled. In the planning stages, I would recommend framing your thinking around what you can do online versus what you can’t do. Establish the learning objectives as those outcomes will be the same regardless of settings. Next, think about what mediums are available to you to deliver those objectives. The key is to remain focused on the elements you want your online audience to grasp by the end of your course.

Tip #4: Utilize various visual aids during your webinar.

YouTube videos, graphs, anything visual to help aid your topic are great ways to keep an online audience captivated. If you are comfortable with sharing your PowerPoint presentation as a handout during your face-to-face sessions, consider doing so for your online ones. Your handouts or supplemental materials can be shared via email prior to the webinar.

Tip #5: Keep your online session interactive

Interactivity is key to any seminar regardless of setting. May be even more so in an online context. Yes, it will be awkward initially not being able to read body language but don’t let that de-motivate you. It is important to remain personable and animated during online sessions even without the typical visual cues; you’ll be able to find opportunities for engagement. I recommend your choice of webinar platform be based on its ability to facilitate interactivity. Chat windows make it very easy to facilitate interactivity between attendees and the presenter. Make sure you encourage your attendees to ask questions. I highly recommend helping your audience get involved from the start. Ask an ‘ice breaker’ question. For example, with online trainings you are more likely to have a varied audience – you can begin by asking folks to type in where they are “tuning” in from. Introductory questions help attendees test out their chatting skills and helps anyone who is intimidated by the setting feel a little more at ease. Moreover, to ensure interactivity, include case examples and exercises for your audience to complete and have them provide their responses and then discuss further as a group. This is an area in which you can check for comprehension. Ask attendees what they felt the takeaway was, or (especially for longer sections and more complicated topics) if what you just discussed makes sense. Frame your online session such that the opportunity to provide your audience with a platform to share their experiences and learn from each other is available. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.

Additional tips to keep in mind:

• Consider your ‘broadcast’ environment: how noisy is the space? Is it properly lit? What is in the background? Having a clean and noise-free setting will limit distractions and allow you to focus on the task at hand
• Use a webcam if possible. Online attendees appreciate when they can see their instructor aswell as their content. Here are some good options: Logitech HD Pro C920 / Logitech HD C615 / Genius WideCam F100
• Use a plug-in, dedicated microphone if possible. Anything is usually better than a laptop mic, but here are some good options: XIAOKOA USB Computer Microphone / VIMVIP PC Microphone / Blue YETI / AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone
•  If you have a group on the larger side, asking participants to mute themselves, and un-mute for questions, will limit background noise. Alternatively, try keeping everyone muted and using the chat function for questions

Ultimately, facilitating a live webinar is doable and has its benefits. Be mindful that it will take you some time to find your voice. Nevertheless, approach the online setting with optimism and you’ll be well on your way. Online teaching will expand your reach, your practice, and even your teaching capabilities. And perhaps when all things are said and done post-physical distancing, you’ll be comfortable with combining your face-to-face sessions with your online ones ensuring a dynamic form of learning.

Katrina is the Training Consultant for the Public Safety Division of Multi Health Systems Inc. (MHS) and the Director of Service Development for the Global Institute of Forensic Research. MHS is a training, research, science and data analytics company that has published many of the gold standard science, software, and assessments in the criminal justice industry. Katrina has worked with Public Safety organizations from around the world to leverage training, research, and data analytics to increase public safety.