Facilitating the online room
Step 1 / 4·The first ten minutes and ground rules
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Set ground rules in the first ten minutes
- Handle silence and pull participation back
- Run breakouts and hybrid sessions
The first ten minutes and ground rules
Set the tone for the whole session.
Two ways to open an online session
Opening with a presentation
“'Hello everyone, today we'll be covering… First, let me introduce myself and the programme… (10 minutes one-way)'”
Learners learn in the first 10 minutes that all they need to do is listen. That expectation is hard to change afterwards, and every later activity gets a sluggish response.
Opening by asking them to do something
“'Before we start, please type one line in the chat: the hardest situation you've hit on this topic in the last month. I'll read them and use your situations through today's session.'”
They act in the first minute, they understand this is a participative session, and you have real material to use for the rest of it.
Four ground rules to agree at the start
- CAMERAS: state your preference and why ('I'd like cameras on during discussion so I can read reactions'), but don't make it an order — some people have legitimate reasons.
- HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS: any time in the chat, or hands up and wait? Say so, so learners aren't guessing.
- MICS: muted when not speaking, and say clearly that you'll call on people by name when you want their view.
- RECORDING: state whether you're recording and how the recording will be used — it directly affects how open the group will be.
Key takeaway: The first ten minutes must give learners something to do, and agree four ground rules: cameras, questions, mics, recording.