Online Learning Strategies: A #CMWorld Twitter Chat with Karen Freberg, Ph.D.

In order for online learning to work, both presenters and attendees need to do more to make the experience worthwhile. So what can be done? We went to Karen Freberg, Ph.D. to find out. Karen is Associate Professor of Strategic Communication at the University of Louisville. You can imagine – given the pandemic – she’s seen many changes to her syllabus and style of teaching.

Karen spent an afternoon with the CMWorld community during a recent Twitter chat. Whether you’re attending a webinar, taking a class for certification, presenting at a meeting, or helping a student succeed, you’ll want to read this recap.

What are key advantages of online learning opportunities like classes, trainings, and webinars?

A1. The key learning opportunities for online education:

-More opportunities to provide diverse learning experiences (lectures, group work, etc)
-Global collaborations w/ classmates and clients
-Invitations to bring in speakers from around the world#CMWorld 1/ https://t.co/X0pZpIvthv

— Karen Freberg • #SMprof • Author • Consultant (@kfreberg) May 12, 2020

A1. Being able to attend online webinars/training around a busy work schedule and the low-cost of digital classes. Not everyone can pay hundreds of dollars for a lecture, but most can easily take an hour out of their day for a free Zoom call. #CMWorld

— Pat Cooper (@patbcooper) May 12, 2020

A1: Most of the time anything online can be done on your time, at your pace. I know there are subjects that I take time learning, so going at a slower pace helps to soak the material in. Other than the in person interaction, you can do almost everything the same online. #CMWorld

— Hannah Munoz (@hannah_derrose) May 12, 2020

A1 | #CMWorld

One advantage seems to be that online learning opportunities are plentiful. More so now than ever before.

— Stephanie Thum, CCXP (@stephaniethum) May 12, 2020

A1. Tbh not having to look at a presenter directly in their eyes to show you’re “paying attention”. While F2F interaction is great, not having to look at someone, nod, and show body language signals that you’re paying attention is definitely a benefit of online learning. #CMWorld

— Rebecca Reynoso (@rebeccasreynoso) May 12, 2020

Participants have to exercise a high degree of discipline with online learning. How can presenters hold the audience’s attention longer? Conversely, how can participants manage distractions?

A3. Making sure the sound bites are concise + to the point.

Adding visual elements (make sure to check out @prezi video for some amazing templates on this to make it interactive and user-friendly!)

Focus on conversation rather than lecturing#CMWorld 1/ https://t.co/PR2sjxT50y

— Karen Freberg • #SMprof • Author • Consultant (@kfreberg) May 12, 2020

I also feel you have to have diverse pieces of content for learning. Including short videos within a lesson plan is one way, but adding in real time social media sessions (ex. Twitter chats or FB group, or doing a live video) helps this out as well! #CMWorld /2

— Karen Freberg • #SMprof • Author • Consultant (@kfreberg) May 12, 2020

A3: Have presenters set the stage. “This is going to be really hands on, so if you’re able, shut everything down. I don’t want you to miss a thing.” Then keep them engaged. Answer Qs. Post polls. #CMWorld

— Cathy McPhillips (@cmcphillips) May 12, 2020

A3: My tips
– Giveaway a free gift when someone answers questions.
– Create an interactive poll within the virtual class. #CMworld

— Jakrapong (@jakrapong) May 12, 2020

A3. I’m intentional about asking participants questions throughout a session. Not all respond, but their comments spark good discussions. I also use pattern disrupt (visually) to keep them engaged. #CMWorld

— Maiko Sakai (@MaikoSakaiBiz) May 12, 2020

A3) Course organization & structure. Consider using models for longer topics but distinct courses for entirely different subjects. Also, noting the length of the task you are about to tackle can be helpful so people know what the time commitment will be – #cmworld – Diana

— SEMrush (@semrush) May 12, 2020

Taking notes is an essential part of the learning process. How can you adapt your note taking skills to fit a virtual environment?

A4. I have used the transcript feature for Zoom for my classes to follow ADA guidelines. Provide an overview of what will be covered + learning objectives.

All online learning experiences need to serve as a spring board to future sessions. #CMWorld https://t.co/SRzQo56mqw

— Karen Freberg • #SMprof • Author • Consultant (@kfreberg) May 12, 2020

A4. Being able to take screenshots and revisit a recorded online class is HUGE for notetaking. I’m not a big note taker myself, but seeing snippets of a webinar on social media and viewing the full upload on YouTube is really helpful. #CMWorld

— Pat Cooper (@patbcooper) May 12, 2020

A4 Isn’t it easier to take notes in a virtual environment? I use G-note or Tomboy Notes to take notes or @Trello to organic them better.

On calls where I’m not muted, though, I might take notes with a pen and paper to avoid keyboard noise. #CMWorld https://t.co/URYCxJXfKq

— Gail Gardner (@GrowMap) May 12, 2020

A4: I still use my composition notebook for the most part. I also take screenshot and use Evernote. #CMWorld https://t.co/bHTLRji6Na

— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) May 12, 2020

Online learning can be somewhat limited in its capacity to involve the audience. How can you create opportunities dialogue? What are ways you can build a sense of community?

A5. Being present + engaging is so important! Setting the tone early on is crucial in creating a welcoming, and dynamic learning environment.

Being approachable is key. You want to extend a helping hand to give back to allow people to feel welcome. #CMWorld https://t.co/j7xJsAmPTX

— Karen Freberg • #SMprof • Author • Consultant (@kfreberg) May 12, 2020

A5: I like adding social media elements into the mix, whether it’s using a dedicated hashtag or just following new people. Great way to keep the convo going! #CMWorld

— Jennie Donohue (@jenniedonohue) May 12, 2020

A5: I find that it helps to ‘seed’ a couple of people to pipe up during the presentation (if you can). I usually helps others feel more comfortable. #CMWorld https://t.co/u5o4iXifCg

— Andi Robinson (@hijinxmarketing) May 12, 2020

CMI offers a variety of webinars, virtual events, and Content Marketing University. But we know there are other online opportunities content marketers can take advantage of. Our community came through and shared some of their favorites.

• Coursera
• Digital Marketer’s Learning Portal
• Hootsuite Academy
• HubSpot Academy
• LinkedIn Learning
• Moz Academy
• SEMrush Academy
• Skillshare
• Udemy

Dr. Scott Cowley shared this curated list for those looking to learn online.

(Source: Dr. Scott Cowley)

Connect with Karen and learn more about her upcoming book release on her website.

What online learning opportunities have you taken advantage of? What did you think about the digital format? Let us know in the comments below.

ContentTECH Summit has gone virtual! ? Our annual conference has been transformed into a three-day online event for 2020. Register today to hear from speakers like Robert Rose, Christopher Penn, Pam Didner, and more.