Limit text to key concepts, phrases, and questions that you will verbally expand upon. (Hint: Use the presentation software's "notes" feature to document what you plan to say in support of the text, then print out a hard copy to serve as a "cheat sheet" during delivery.) And while colored text should not be used excessively, it is a helpful way to indicate "action items" such as activities and questions.
Finally, avoid the use of animations, slide transitions, build slides, and other special effects, as they will not "carry over" into the classroom environment. (Note: It's possible that the other platforms - as well as newer releases of Centra - do, in fact, support these.)
During the Delivery Phase:
As you discuss each slide, use the application's whiteboard tools to draw attention to important items. But don't just settle for one! Instead, alternate between the standard pointer and using a variety of colors to underline, highlight, and enclose text within rectangles, ellipses. etc. Doing so probably won't have much of an effect from an instructional perspective, but adding a bit of visual interest certainly doesn't hurt.
Strategy #2: Capitalize on the power of questions
While this issue may seem applicable only to the delivery phase of a virtual class, it is strongly recommended that you pre-determine when and how you will employ questioning techniques. Be sure to keep the following methods in mind:
In short, don't tell your learners something if you can get them to tell you instead!
Strategy #3: Take advantage of the system's interactive capabilities
Most platforms offer sophisticated functionality such as application sharing and breakout rooms, and you should use them as appropriate. However, each also supports a variety of simple techniques for increasing participation and appealing to a wide range of learning styles and preferences. For example, you can:
- Ask learners to respond "Yes" or "No" (by clicking the appropriate button) to a closed-ended question.
- Pose a question to the group and ask those who wish to respond to raise their hands. You may alternately ask one or more learners to type their own responses on the screen.
- Ask learners to brainstorm about a specific issue or topic using the "chat" feature. This tool lends itself especially well to discussions about personal feelings and experiences, such as "what XYZ (e.g., customer service, effective communication, etc.) means to me."
- Ask learners to "vote" by placing a gold star (or some other whiteboard indicator) next to the item of their choice.
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