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As part of your Capstone course for the MSW program in Social Work, you may be presenting trainings or engaging with organizations in an online format.\u00a0 The work you are doing is important, and you\u2019ll want to do your best as you work with others on your capstone project.\u00a0 Below, I mention five ways you can help your online work to be successful.<\/p>\n
Taking the time to try out your technology before your training with a friend, stakeholder from your training group, or colleague will help to ensure that you are prepared for the meeting, have the technology that you need, and that you feel confident in focusing on your content rather than the technology.\u00a0 It can also give you a sense of how long you\u2019ll need to conduct your training.<\/p>\n
Additionally, consider asking someone to be your \u201cproducer\u201d and handle the technology for you, such as managing the PowerPoint, starting the recording, and watching the chat box.\u00a0 This can let you focus on delivering the content effectively instead of worrying about what else is happening.<\/p>\n
Always make sure that you have a technological Plan B.\u00a0 What if your video camera doesn\u2019t work?\u00a0 What if you can\u2019t share your PowerPoint?\u00a0 You can still give a great training if you take the time to consider your Plan B before you begin.<\/p>\n
You have information you would like to share with your group, and it is easy to lean towards lecturing with a well-developed PowerPoint presentation.\u00a0 Make sure to plan for active learning where participants can engage in activities, conversations, or small group work.\u00a0 This will ensure that they retain the information you\u2019d like them to receive, without getting too much Zoom fatigue.\u00a0 If you meeting is more than an hour, plan to have a short break for folks to use the bathroom, or just to stretch.\u00a0 Remember that active learning can take longer than lecture, so plan accordingly to ensure you have enough time.<\/p>\n
In a world where we spend so much time on a computer, it\u2019s easy to think of your participants as little boxes on a screen.\u00a0 Remember that these are humans, with a human need for the information you are sharing.\u00a0 As appropriate, provide ways for people to react to what you are saying- keep cameras on, use a thumbs up sign when participants agree, or nod vigorously to show they are engaged.\u00a0 Even if cameras can\u2019t be turned on, you can have students use the reactions in Zoom, or type in the chat box to provide some consistent feedback.<\/p>\n
Consider leaving space for more natural connections- log on a few minutes early, and stay a few minutes late to visit with participants informally.\u00a0 Provide opportunities for participants to share their experiences and make personal connections.<\/p>\n
Many of the sessions you\u2019ll be providing as part of the MSW capstone are handing difficult topics, that can be harder to address in an online space.\u00a0 You can ensure that participants feel comfortable by modelling compassionate behavior, and being explicit about community norms.\u00a0 Sometimes the most important norms are the least-often stated- be transparent about your intentions for the group<\/p>\n
Use appropriate examples and real-world stories.\u00a0 These may help you to connect with participants, and encourage them to participate.\u00a0 If someone shares something too personal with the group, remind them that you are available after the training to follow up with them.<\/p>\n
Preparing an effective online training starts before the actual training session, and continues after you\u2019ve presented.\u00a0 You should have clear and frequent communication with the organization you are working with, so you can best understand their needs.\u00a0 You may want to have participants sign up for your training in advance, so you can learn more about them in advance.<\/p>\n
You can also use any sign up information to help you connect with participants after the online session.\u00a0 Make sure to provide your own contact information in case participants need to reach out with questions before or after the session.<\/p>\n
Q: If I’m doing an asynchronous training, what is the best platform to use to host it?<\/p>\n
A: There are a lot of great options out there, and the organization you are working with may have a platform they prefer.\u00a0 However, one free way to host an online training course is to use Google Classroom.\u00a0 This option is free for google and gmail users, and is quick and easy to use.\u00a0 Check out this tutorial<\/a> on how to get started with Google Classroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As part of your Capstone course for the MSW program in Social Work, you may be presenting trainings or engaging with organizations in an online format.\u00a0 The work you are doing is important, and you\u2019ll want to do your best Continue reading Tips for Developing your Capstone Project Online<\/span>