Webinar Reflection

Webinar
I have experienced a variety of webinars through my graduate course, professional development and research for my department to use. They have run from the mundane and painful to the insightful, informative, and user-friendly. I have also been a facilitator of this format. I have found protocols, purpose/learning targets and facilitator skills to be imperative for the success of a webinar.
Protocols are imperative to ensure the webinar is informative and user-friendly. Protocols must be clarified for participants to understand how they are to interact with the presenter, facilitator, and/or other participants. Participants need to be informed of the format and pacing and how these protocols facilitate their experience. Participants also need to know their role in the webinar. Some webinars they are learning and asking clarifying questions. Some webinars participants must contribute to the information and learning in a more collaborative setting. Protocols also ensure that the learning targets are being met and the webinar does not get derailed.
Learning targets are also imperative. Participants need to be aware of what they are going to gain from the webinar. Facilitators need to stay true to what the learning targets are for the session. Webinars are meant to be effective and efficient for the learning and time the stakeholders. If the session becomes clogged with erroneous information or sidetracked from the objectives the effectiveness and efficiency of the session is lost.
Therefore it is imperative a facilitator cultivate the skills necessary to facilitate the webinar. This includes good communication skills, presentation skills, implementation of appropriate processes and protocols, and classroom management. If these are not considered and implemented, the experience is not only frustrating for the participants, but also the facilitator. Below are resources with information and examples to facilitating an online session.
In regards to webinar on Wednesday, March 2, it did provide answers to a few questions. Many of these questions were due to the Weekly Overview posting issues. It clarified the book assignment, where other information was located, how to complete the weekly assignments, etc. I have found the webinars to beneficial for this. However, it is more effective and efficient to read the transcript afterwards to find the specific answers I am looking for…due to my speeding reading/skimming skills… instead of sitting through the session. Plus with my work schedules, I am not available for the sessions scheduled this course.

Resources:
Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. . (2004). Engaging the online learner activities and resources for creative instruction. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass.

Pallof, R. M. , & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online learning together community. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass.

Pallof, R. M. , & Pratt, K. (2009). Assessing the online learner. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass.