APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021 , Vol . 7
In contrast , when considering the characteristics of an excellent learning experience , we typically think about the learning environment being :
• Empowering
• Personalised
• Applied through simulation and scenarios
• Engaging
• Memorable
These reflections can provide ideas about what you may avoid and include in your virtual classrooms . It is possible to create great learning experiences in a virtual environment by remembering the excellent learning characteristics and some of the following tips from our Learning Excellence Toolkit .
Learning Excellence Toolkit The Learning Excellence Toolkit ( UK Coaching , 2020 ) is an interactive tool created to support anyone creating learning . At UK Coaching we use the PDI Model to guide us in creating excellent learning , consistently . The model within the toolkit sets out the key activities that should be fulfilled in order to ensure that you have all the ingredients required for successful learning design and development . This process is applicable in both a face-to-face and virtual learning environment . We will draw upon several stages within the model to provide tips for developing virtual classrooms . For the full PDI model , please refer to the
Learning Excellence Toolkit .
Plan
The first stage of the process focuses on planning . Some key aspects to consider are :
Know Your Audience - Through simple , yet effective insight activities such as polling ( Figure 1 ), surveys , seeking thoughts / opinions and looking across the learning industry , you can capture information about what your audiences want . Key questions you may consider asking are :
• What topics would you like to explore ?
• When should the sessions take place and how often ?
• What format should the sessions adopt ( eg online only , blended learning )?
• What additional support do you require to join and participate in the sessions ?
Figure 1 : Example Twitter polls
Choosing and using the right platform - Depending on the needs of your audience and organisation , it is advised that you revisit the appropriateness of your chosen platform . Some are geared more towards meetings / events , while others toward online classrooms and offer functionality to support the facilitator to design and create a more engaging learning environment . There are a range of platform comparison sites ( eg web
conferencing ) and deals for trials , which enable you to explore the platforms to identify the best one to suit your needs .
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