1/ Trying to figure out how to connect to your learners during #VirtualTeaching & avoid this response?

Don’t worry, the #MedEdTwagTeam has you covered w/ today’s #TweetorialTuesday on optimizing the virtual #LearningClimate

#MedEd #EdTech #VirtualLearning

2/ In my previous poll, most of you identified “lack of interaction” as the most challenging aspect of #Virtual Teaching.

Today we will discuss how to increase interaction.

3/ And if you missed last week’s #MedEdTwagTeam #TuesdayTweetorial by @GStetsonMD, check it out here.

I know that I learned some new tricks from him! https://twitter.com/GStetsonMD/status/1275471237486047233

4/ There are two keys to increasing interaction during #VirtualTeaching:

Creating a good learning climate
Using #TechTools

#TechTools are great, but they won’t be effective unless you create a good learning climate, which is the topic for today.

5/ The learning climate is set at the beginning of a teaching session, so start strong!

Here are 3 strategies I’ve discovered for developing a good learning climate during #VirtualTeaching

6/ Although the strategies I’m discussing today are most effective for small group sessions (less than 20 people), I have used them with groups as large as 100 people too (and will provide examples!)

7/ First, arrive early.

Students miss having the opportunity to talk to their teachers before and after class.

Arriving early allows you to talk with students, especially if it’s a small group.

8/ Second, ask everyone to turn on video.

During in-person teaching, having the ability to see learners’ reactions helps us gauge how to adjust our teaching in real-time.

Videos provide the same opportunity online.

9/ Personally, I prefer the “gallery view,” especially if you have a small group session.

It allows everyone to see when someone is about to talk or has “unmuted.”

If you don’t know how to get the “gallery view,” see this #Zoom support page:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362323-How-Do-I-Change-The-Video-Layout-

10/ However, remember that everyone may not be able to turn on videos and respect that. Some common reasons people can’t use video include:

Having low internet bandwidth
Living in a crowded environment with others

@KuehlSarah, I know you have some learner thoughts too!

11/ Third, start with an icebreaker.

@ricapitt & @gradydoctor are the best at coming up with icebreakers or "culture questions" as we like to call them

12/ Okay, okay. I know icebreakers can be really awkward, but hear me out.

I don’t necessarily mean a TRUE icebreaker…but just something to get people engaged.

And, if it’s a discussion-based session, then you definitely want to get people talking at the beginning.

13/ I’ve found that the virtual background is a great way to get conversation started.

In my small group sessions with @ricapitt, we try to add new virtual backgrounds each week, which has encouraged others to do the same and has led to fun conversations.

14/ But this can also be a great way to just “check in” with learners to share their struggles, which has been a great way to acknowledge all of the heavy things that we all have been dealing with in the current setting of racial violence and the coronavirus pandemic.

15/ If you have a large class, you can still do an icebreaker.

Here are two options:
Breakout rooms
Polls

Polls can be used to gauge the general emotions of the group prior to a session.

16/ So, in summary, start your #VirtualTeaching session by creating a good virtual #LearningClimate.

1. Arrive early
2. Videos on
3. Start with an icebreaker

17/ Next week, join @GStetsonMD for a #MedEdTwagTeam #TuesdayTweetorial (7/7/20) on using the whiteboard and other collaborative elements effectively during #VirtualLearning.