CONTEXT: 

Mobilised by the current emergency situation, teachers are encouraged to catch up with the new technologies and tools enabling them to teach their students. Re-creating the classroom in virtual reality requires understanding digital channels, learning opportunities they create for students as well as limitations that come along. 

During this online workshop we will study the potential of online tools for engaging young people in meaningful, facilitated lessons. Through web conferencing applications (Google Hangout, Zoom, Go To Meeting, Big Blue Button) young people and teachers can actively participate in a moderated session as they would be together in a physical classroom. The crucial role of the teacher changes into facilitator and requires mastering the technological solution but also adequate moderation techniques to sustain supportive learning environment.

OBJECTIVES: 

Knowledge: 
Participants will know:
- at least 3 online digital tools that will allow them to conduct webinars / videoconferences with their students
- the principles of online learning
- the difference between the webinar (lecture) and participatory online class.

Know-how: 
Participants will be able to:
- set up an inclusive learning environment (facilitating techniques)
- manage difficulties during the session (between the students, individual difficulties)
- engage the students in the topic, using a set of interactive tools during and between the sessions
- deal with emergencies.

Attitude: 
Participants are brought to:
- create welcoming learning atmosphere for their students
- ensure equal participation in the session
- include the students with difficulties.

CONTENT: 

Participants will have the opportunity to receive input from trainers (experienced in e-facilitation in education since 2012) but will also be encouraged to share their own experiences with digital tools and concrete applications in their current work.

The session will be tailored to the needs of the participants, who will be asked to fill out their expectations before joining the session. The expectations will be considered as an important element of the programme of the session. 

Programme: 

- before you start: technical questions (programmes, students' preparation)
- before you start: setting up the best learning environment (plenary, small groups, individual learning)
- principles of online learning
- do's and don'ts of online facilitation (interactivity, dynamic and engaging games and activities with online tools and apps, e.g. Kahoot)
- dealing with emergencies: what if the connection collapses – plan B and alternatice channels (YouTube...)
- your online class model: first attempts.
At the end of the session the participants will be asked for their feedback.

METHODOLOGY: 

The online sessions for teachers are based on tele-collaboration, peer sharing and experiential learning. 
- tele-collaboration and peer sharing: the videoconferencing tool used for the session allows the participants to connect with one another. The very first feedback we received stresses the importance for teachers to understand the perspective of others and how they deal with the situation. The functionalities of the used software (plenary session, small group work, group and individual chat) allow the participants to interact and actively express their opinion, in a similar way as in a real classroom.

Besides that, an important part of the session is the exchange of experiences between the participating teachers, the tools they apply in their work and the challenges or advantages they face with digital tools. It builds a network, encouragement and the feeling of solidarity.

- experiential learning: participants learn about the digital tools by taking an active part in using them. They can experience the advantages and difficulties of being a participant to online sessions and transfer their experience more easily to their teaching realities afterwards. During a debriefing at the end of the session, the individual experiences are discussed with the group. The participants reflect about possible improvements.

Facilitators:

Magdalena Jakubowska - facilitator of adult education

Piotr Gawel - psychologist, facilitator, trainer

Julia Gregor- facilitator of adult education 

This course is organised in English, another version will be provided in Luxembourgish.

Participants must have access to the Internet, a device with a camera and microphone (preferably a PC, laptop or iPad, rather than a smartphone); headphones (with microphone if possible) are recommended but not mandatory Particopants will receive access codes upon registration on the IFEN website.