The Problem
While breakout rooms are an effective tool for active learning in a virtual classroom, faculty are unfamiliar with the technology. This will make them hesitant to use it. A secondary problem is that those who feel confident launching classes into breakout rooms, may not be really thinking through the affordances and constraints of this tool.
Tools
- Adobe Captivate
- D2L – Where training was posted
- SharePoint – link to training and job aid was provided on SharePoint homepage
- Zoom
The Solution
I created an eLearning mini-course using Adobe Captivate, to introduce them to breakout rooms. The training includes demonstrations as well as discussion of the affordances and constraints of breakout rooms. Following this training, I also hosted 30-minute practice sessions with 3-6 participants. This allowed the faculty members to be both host and participant in breakout room meetings. Finally, a one-page breakout room breakout room job aid was created for faculty to reference later on.
Examples
Ten minute training on Zoom Breakout Rooms
Summary
- After this training, faculty were far more willing to use breakout rooms
- Many who had wanted to use breakout rooms redesigned activities to better align with the affordances and constraints of the platform
- Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to practice with colleagues before going in front of students.