1. Introduction
Introduction
In this module, you will learn strategies and key practices to support the successful delivery of your programming in an online environment. Online delivery is a form of “remote” delivery: programming—such as workshops, programs, events—that is delivered by instructors who are not in the same physical space as the program participants. Remote delivery includes instruction that happens via the Internet, using some combination of video conferencing tools and web-based platforms, as well as take-home kits of materials or activity books. This module, however, is primarily focused on online delivery that happens in real-time with your participants and other instructors (so-called, “synchronous” delivery, however terminology is covered in the next section).
While in-person and online programming share many similarities, they are distinctly different experiences for both instructors and participants. Care must be taken to ensure that programming delivered online is as positive and engaging as possible for all involved. To that end, this module is meant to provide a foundation for your future online delivery by introducing you to what you can expect during online delivery, outlining effective approaches for online delivery as well as giving you an opportunity to consider and reflect on potential issues and challenges that may arise.
CALL OUT: Remember you are an outreach organization - don’t sacrifice that because you are virtual. There are so many great things you can do in your programs if you think about how to make virtual or learning from home engaging and easy for parents and teachers to use.
- Western Engineering Outreach Programs, Western University
Module learning outcomes
Through completing this module, you will:
Understand the differences between online/remote and in-person program delivery and how they might affect instructor and participant experiences.
Develop skills for delivering engaging and hands-on STEM learning experiences in an online environment.
Future Skills developed
Actua’s Future Skills Program evaluates the impact of employment at a network member on the development of in-demand employability skills and further supports their development by creating training programs, such as work-integrated learning experiences, to enhance and expand the leadership and competency attainment of student employees. Learn more about the Future Skills Program on our website.
This module focuses on the following Future Skills:
Future Skills | Description |
Critical thinking & analysis | This Future Skill is about conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information gathered through observation, experience, and reasoning to reach an answer or conclusion. During this module, you will be asked to think critically about the difference between remote online and in-person delivery, and analyze how best you can approach your future online delivery. You will also reflect on key practices for online delivery that are presented and think of ways that these practices can be applied in your own context. |
Adaptability & flexibility | This Future Skill is about altering or changing one’s own course of action, behaviour, or approach, as appropriate, in response to changing or evolving situations. During this module, you will be asked to compare online and in-person delivery modes and then alter your delivery approach, plan, or strategy in response to the changing circumstances that you may encounter. You will also be invited to think about how you might adapt in-person content to best fit the needs of online delivery, in consideration of the key practices for online delivery that are presented. |
Self-awareness | This Future Skill is about Identifying and recognizing personal strengths and challenges as well as modifying actions, behaviours and/or approaches based on feedback received. During this module, you will be asked to enumerate and reflect on your expectations of the online delivery experience to better understand how you might create a more positive experience, for yourself, your colleagues, and your participants, during online program delivery. |