How to Boost Interactivity?

David Röthler Webinar Methodology

Why would one prefer a live webinar instead of a recording? The key to this question is interactivity. But how to achieve this? Which activities increase participation and interactivity?

Try to keep participants active and involved at all times as there are so many possibilities for distraction online (checking emails, instant messaging…).

  • Before and during the webinar use the poll pod/feature. Ask what they want to learn during the webinar. Or even ask how they are feeling today through a poll.
  • Reply to questions or comments as soon as possible to show appreciation.
  • Ask questions frequently to be answered through the chat.
  • The whiteboard of Adobe Connect has been technically enhanced recently. Use it for brainstorming.
  • Try to experiment with external tools for live collaboration like Padlet or Google Docs/Drive. The advantage is that the results are available even after the webinar and can be further elaborated.
  • Use simple feedback pods like HandsUp (US $ 500/year)
  • Try to avoid moderating an online meeting alone. Include a second person to be in dialogue and exchange with you. To hear two voices is much more pleasant especially if you have mixed sexes.

This screenshot shows a webinar using the mentioned HandsUp pod.

What would you recommend? Please, feel free to share your experience and comment this post.

2 thoughts on “How to Boost Interactivity?”

  1. Some of my students at the university of Iceland tell me that they prefer being present during the webinar, simply because it is LIVE. They find it easier to follow and love the possibility of being able to ask questions and interact. They say they fall asleep when they listen to recordings! Others – who seldom can manage attending the live event – say the recordings are OK too…

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  2. I often have events where the majority of the participants are in a classroom, and 3-8 are oneline. During groupwork sessions the online students – each sitting alone at home – will collaborate on a mindmap, for example using MindMeister.com: here is an example of a mindmap from the last session: https://www.mindmeister.com/113444094# … it is open… you can add to it too 😉 After the groupwork the online participants present their mindmap online.

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