Five Engagement Techniques for Online Learning

Maddie Grant, CAE & Lindy Dreyer

POLL: How many people in your organization are responsible for your online learning program?

CHAT IN: If you’re on your own, type the word “SOLO” into the chat window.

POLL: How engaged are your online learners?

The Five Techniques

• Start with the obvious—but plan how you’ll use it.

• Change how you work with SMEs.• Vary live formats.• Leverage social media in a variety of ways.• Reward participation.

Start with the obvious.

Less Obvious = How?• Start with poll or chat• 10 minutes of content• Engagement interlude• 10 minutes of content• Engagement interlude• 10 minutes of content• Ending Q&A

4 ideas for changing how you work with SMEs

1. Ask for less. 2. Use the buddy system.3. Pre-record.4. Recruit some ringers.

2 Alternative formats to maximize engagement

1. Interview-based with audience advocate.

2. Pure discussion with facilitator and expert participants.

CHAT IN: What other formats have worked well for you?

4 Social Media Tips

1. Set a Twitter hashtag for all live webinar events.

2. Leverage existing social media communities for topic ideas . And recruit leaders to present.

4 Social Media Tips

3. Find more topic ideas from popular posts.

4. Host “overtime” discussions hosted by your SME in your most popular outpost. For example, on LinkedIn.

CHAT IN: Besides marketing, how are you using social

media for learning?

Reward Participation

• Show how much you value your participants’ contributions.

CHAT IN: What one thing do you feel could increase engagement in

your programs the most?

Maddie Grant, CAE Chief Social Media Strategist at SocialFishmaddie@socialfish.org

Lindy Dreyer, Chief Social Media Marketer at SocialFishlindy@socialfish.org

www.socialfish.org