Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

On Wednesday, I spent the majority of my morning completing an expense report for my recent business travel. I purposely waited until the end of ALL of my travel (4 separate trips) to complete it, thinking it would be easier to do it all in one sitting. Oh my, was I wrong.

I couldn't help but draw parallels to training. How often do we try and clump as much information as possible into one session thinking it will be easier/more efficient for participants to learn it all in one sitting?

I was completely overwhelmed Wednesday, as I searched my desk and travel bags and purse for receipts, then meticulously tried to recall what each receipt was for (was this lunch? dinner? was this the taxi to the airport?). My first trip, nearly six weeks ago now, I could barely recall the details.

Imagine if I had completed expense reports after each of my four business trips. Sure, it may have taken a little more time as I submitted a separate report for each trip, but my emotional state would have been significantly improved. My recall of the trips would be fresh in my mind. The whole experience would be less stressful.

Sometimes (and I'd argue more often than not) things just work better when you do a little bit at a time working toward a larger goal. Now, back to training.

Imagine “bite size” training that delivers content where the user needs it, when the user needs it, and repeats it in some interval as to allow for longer retention. Beyond improving the transfer to short-term and eventually long-term memory (shout out to John Medina’s book Brain Rules, and his recent keynote at the eLearning Guild Learning Solutions Conference), this approach also improves the learner experience by reducing stress levels. In short, it's setting the learner up for success.

How different do you feel when you attend/log in to a course that's going to be 3 hours versus one that is 30 minutes? Can your 3 hour course (or 8-hour course!) be broken into 20-minute topics that repeat over the longer session?

"Bite size" training helps give the repetition learners need while giving them the emotional well-being to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Make it just in time and you've got a powerful tool where the users are in control of where and when they learn. Make it relevant and valuable to ensure long term retention and flexibility with the content.

Now if I could just take my own advice and get those expense reports done a little more frequently.

Morning Buzz Recap - Synchronous Learning Strategies

Many thanks to everyone who attended the Morning Buzz session on Synchronous Learning strategies (A2) at last week's Learning Solutions Conference (#LS2011). As promised, here is a recap of the solutions we brainstormed in our discussion.

Challenge #1: Introducing tools to technology-challenged participants

• Use a 2-person (producer) model to ensure participation - from both technology-challenged participants and from those who may be multi-tasking


• Consider developing a self-paced tutorial ("Learning to learn online") to help prepare participants for the synchronous learning experience


• Create a job aid on how to log in to the web classroom


• Display a rotating PowerPoint as participants log in to help direct them to necessary tools in the classroom


• Launch a lobby exercises activity to get participants practicing with the tools


• Do "virtual yoga" - hands up, hands down, etc.

Challenge #2: Engaging activities that aren't too complicated

• Have participants use an arrow (where available) to claim their place on the white board, then type their text answer next to the arrow


• Have participants type their name into the chat box - for both attendance and practice


• For those with teleconference issues: don't provide teleconference numbers to force participants to use the "call back" option


• For those who have a group of participants on a single computer logging in - assign roles so everyone feels involved, use breakout groups in the live classroom, try to simulate the webinar


• To ensure participants are following along during audio, outline audio track and have participants follow with their arrows


• Distribute a participant guide to engage participants during session


• Use the 'chat' area to capture action planning (start, stop, continue)


• When the breakout feature is not available in the platform, split the whiteboard into sections and break participants out on the teleconference line


• Use a "timed chat" approach - have participants type their answer, but do not hit enter until facilitator says "Go". This allows everyone to participate, particularly when many may come up with the same response.


• If you need a timer during your session, consider using Application Share with the hahntech timer tool


• To add more interactivity, use an asynchronous tool (articulate, etc.) and import the .swf into the web classroom

Challenge #3: Transitioning classroom instructors into synchronous learning facilitators

• Develop a "how to" guide using examples of classroom v. synchronous


• Have a producer or other support during session


• Prepare facilitator for pacing in the virtual classroom (e..g., being comfortable with silence)


• Create leader's guides or scripts for both the facilitator and the producer


• Reinforce the language of the environment (e.g., "Use the green checkmark if you agree.")


• Have facilitators model the tools to increase participants understanding/comfort level


• Have a training process for new facilitators (watch session, review leaders guide, practice, trial session with backup, then on own)


• Ensure facilitators get enough practice using the platform before leading a session

Challenge #4: Making sessions engaging

• Activities! (See examples above)


• Graphics


• Use slide sorter to advance slides out-of-sequence. Create a game-show feel.


• Provide opportunities for participant feedback in the facilitator script


• Call on participants that have not been engaged for a while


• Use feedback icons and have producer follow up with those not participating to ensure engagement / no technology issues

Challenge #5: Time management in the virtual classroom

• Keep on topic - facilitator keeps participants in check, producer keeps facilitator in check


• Use a script


• Use a parking lot (chat or notes or Q&A section, depending on platform)


• Producer can send chat to facilitator keeping them on topic/on time

Special thanks to the other session facilitators - Mira Mendlovitz, Ernie Brescia & Sarah Schmidt- for sharing their expertise!

Other ideas? Feel free to type them as a comment to this blog post. Also, if you're a member of the eLearning Guild, there are two free eBooks available on tips for synchronous learning you may want to review.