Web conferencing – it used to be
20.04.2020
Right now, it is sprouting up everywhere – web conferencing. Almost everybody seems to feel called to offer any session. Mostly free of charge and with quite remarkable content. So, the already old format, whose baptism certificate dates to 2003, is experiencing a retro.
But is that really what it takes now to inspire and educate people? There are alternatives.
Webinar or video clip?
The so-called webinar or web conferencing is constructed as learning and information format and offers a two-way ‘communication’. The possibility to comment an opinion or question in the chat does not count as dialogue, but at least some exchange is taking place. This is what this medium has ahead of the video clips that are so popular today. They only stream in one direction but in moving pictures and usually more comprised. Here, the speaker can contribute as a person, make an impact through his or her gestures and facial expressions and, if necessary, also explain something on a board. This is much more diversified than the static view on one person, who looks more or less professional into the camera.
Both formats have one thing in common: The listener’s concentration drops after a short period of time.
Is web conferencing a conference?!
The webinar is called a web conference. Controversial from our point of view. Because what constitutes a conference? Yes, it is about knowledge transfer. And yes, groups are addressed but good conferences are characterized by encounters and social interaction. In addition, a great conference also ensures that the knowledge acquired can be practiced in its application. This is followed by reflection and transfer into everyday life. Somehow the webinar reaches its limits here.
Virtual seminars made by TCJG
We think there are far better alternatives. We have thought the virtual seminar further. At our Hybrid Discovery Workshop, participants come together in groups on a specific topic as well. However, they do not listen to a speaker for a long time.
They are active right from the start. There is immediate participation. Visualised at their own workplace or at the dining table at home. The results are photographed and shared with the other participants. On this basis, an exchange takes place in small groups known as “break-out-rooms”.
Back in the big group we first start with a physical energiser. A video briefly summarizes the topic and during the following break the participants become DJs themselves.
After the break, 1 minute of silence allows to come to rest. Then, there is an appointment with a non-seminar participant for a virtual lunch. Briefly build together a mind map to the next topic and then a 3-minute walk around in the own surrounding. This allows the topic to be penetrated in the mind more deeply.
The results will be documented in the own “visualization space” and then presented to a tandem partner in a Mini-Con-Call. Afterwards a photo will be uploaded on a collaboration tool such as a virtual whiteboard. Now the documentation of the results is finished.
Of course, we also impart knowledge. But we do not tell that story, we let the participants discover and then share it… By providing suitable materials or links (during the workshop, but especially before or after). The participants become experts themselves.
This is what our seminars or discovery journeys look like. This is how virtual learning presents itself today.
Our participants say its great fun.
Especially since they are working on their digital fitness at the same time.
Webinar – it used to be.
Want more information? Please simply register for our free sharing or contact us via
office@tcjg.de.
