Virtual presentation – my first attempt
Posted by shanetechteach on October 24, 2009
I had the opportunity during the week to use my organisation’s installation of Elluminate (we call it iConnect) to deliver two virtual presentations. The first was part of a two day conference for Heads of Department to provide them information, knowledge and skills to lead their faculties towards a connected learning environment. This was my first attempt at presenting virtually and I must say it was an interesting experience. The fact that I could not see the audience, and the fact that this was probably their first experience with the technology for web conferencing, restricted the engagement I normally seek with a group. It was also interesting just simply plowing through and not stopping to answer questions or querying looks. I think the group was inhibited from asking questions due to the delivery method, something I will need to facilitate if I get the chance again.
If you ask @joram10 who was “the boss” for the workshop, there was most likely a distinct advantage to the web conference. She could send me messages in regards to timing. This allowed her to keep to the set agenda more firmly.
If you are interested in watching, you should be able to access the recording here. Password is hods. Enjoy.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I feel for you as I have gone through that experience now myself a few times. The lack of visual body language is quite daunting at first. You just don’t realise who much we rely on it when we teach/present in face to face modes.
I have found that there are some simple things you can do to make this less of an issue. One simple and effective way is for the remote site to enable a webcam pointed at the large audience. You don’t have to have your camera on but you get to see people’s reactions to things you are showing or saying. This has been of great benefit at times when I spot unexpected reactions.
Additionally I have seen that making an off topic connection to your audience can work wonders at setting the mood, particularly if you have to do the simple passing of information. It helps to make people feel a stronger connection and get away from that …this is an ondemand playback which I can switch off from mentality.
Lastly the sage advice from the amazing Zoe Wilkins of eLearning Branch on trying to get people doing something active every 5-10 minutes helps stop the passive listener syndrome which can make people zone out faster than watching reality TV!
It is a great tool and learning journey like no other.
BTW The Boss @joram10 is doing her first presentation on developing personal learning networks tomorrow…. Sure she’ll go great.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Ah, the advice from the sage – that is a good idea and something I did not do effectively. By getting them to do something they will also learn the technology themselves. I haven’t registered but I hope I can get into Jess’s webinar this arvy.