The Virtual Classroom : Exploring new ways, reaching new learners

[Background] [How the course works and what time is needed to take part] [Course Outline] [Technical and equipment requirements] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

Are you interested in reaching new and different learners or giving them a way to learn outside the classroom?

Do you face challenges in delivering training to volunteers or staff because they are part-time or work remotely? 

Do you want to find out new ways to deliver all kinds of learning in an effective, engaging, and low-carbon efficient way?

This course provides the opportunity to experience and learn online delivery of courses in a "virtual classroom".  As a practical activity, you are given the opportunity to experience the software and the teaching style from both a learner and a teacher viewpoint in a virtual classroom, and see how other organisations have used web conferencing effectively.

Virtual and Face-To-Face classroom delivery requires very different presenter skills, so this course allows you to develop confidence in a supportive environment, enabling you to deliver your own sessions.

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How the course works and what time is needed to take part

This updated 6 week course will be run through the web conferencing software InstantPresenter (http://www.instantpresenter.com).

To make sure it works smoothly for you, it's worth checking out the technical requirements below.

Time Commitment

You will need to put aside approximately 2 hours a week.  The group sessions will be 1.5 hours but you will be set a short task each week.  You may wish to set aside additional time to use the software as you will have to access it throughout the course.

Session Timings

Group Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 will be at set times as follows:

Wednesday afternoon 13:00-14:30

Please note Group Session 4 is optional; your facilitator will be available to answer questions.  See the programme outline for further details.

Group Session 5 has a degree of flexibility and will be arranged with your facilitator.  See the programme outline for further details.

All sessions will be recorded to allow anyone unable to attend a particular session to have access to it.

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Previous participants said:

'I think the course is good, does what it says on the tin, and is appropriate for the level of study. Consequently I do not think that it needs anything added to it at this time!'

'I particularly enjoyed delivering my own session and learning from the feedback that Sally gave.'

'Really enjoyed and the course demonstrated effectively how to deliver online successfully.'

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Course Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Virtual Classrooms

How do virtual classrooms actually work? 

You will look at some of the functionality and options available, and have the opportunity to share ideas of how other providers are using them, and the benefits brought to their organisations.

Session 2: Tools and Pedagogy

In this session you will explore more closely the tools available to deliver an online session and discuss different pedagogical approaches.

Session 3: Design and Delivery

This week you will focus on how to design a virtual classroom session.  You will be provided with useful tips to use when delivering your session.

Session 4: Practice and Play

This week is your opportunity to practise and play with the tools available within the virtual classroom whilst you design your own online session.  You can choose what time during the week you wish to practise and prepare for the delivery of your own session.  The group session this week will be optional and participants will be invited to drop in to ask their facilitator any questions they may have about the design of their session or queries about individual tools.

Session 5: Delivering a Session

This week you will deliver your prepared session to your facilitator who will provide you with constructive feedback, advice and support.  The time to deliver your session will be booked on an individual basis with your facilitator and you should allocate 1 hour.

Session 6: And finally!

So, what was it like? 

We will share delivery experience and approaches, and explore some of the alternative tools that you could use for virtual classroom delivery.

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Technical and equipment requirements

You can check that your computer will allow you to watch and take part in InstantPresenter sessions by undertaking a system check at: http://www.instantpresenter.com/WebConference/systemtest

 You will need:

• A good broadband Internet connection
• Headset and microphone
• Webcam (optional)
• Computer/laptop – see below

Computer Minimum Requirements

• At least: Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox 3 or Safari (Mac)
• 1024x768 Screen Resolution
• Good internet connection with an upload speed of 450 Kbps (0.44 Mbps)
• Flash Player  Click here to download
• Java installed and enabled -- Click here to download
• Turn off Pop-Up Blockers or put www.instantpresenter.com in your allowed list
• Latest version of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari.
• 1280 x 1024 Screen Resolution
• Wired (not utilizing WiFi) internet connection
• Latest Flash Player  Click here to download
• Latest Java installed and enabled -- Click here to download
• Turn Pop Up Blocker off or put www.instantpresenter.com in your allowed list

Recommended Requirements

The screen-sharing feature does not require any special installation on your computer. However, you will need to make sure to have the latest version of Java installed on your computer in order to use the screen-sharing feature.

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Event Information

6 week online course

Monday 30th September 2013 - Friday 15th November 2013

Week 1:30th September

Week 2:7th October

Week 3: 14th November

Week 4:21st October

Week 5: 4th November

Week 6: 11th November

Event fee per person: £198 (NIACE members rate)
Event fee per person: £225 (Non NIACE members rate)
NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.

Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.

NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.

Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed applications (one online application per person)

If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

Event:Monday 30th September 2013 - Friday 15th November 2013

Closing Date: Tuesday 17th September 2013

Cancellations are non-refundable

The full fee is payable prior to the event

Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event

A 10 working days notice period is required for provision of adaptations to materials

Places are to be reserved online - scroll up and click on Apply Now

Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted

Applications forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions will be e-mailed out one week before the event.

NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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