Offline to Online
Can you really create a space and learning experience online just like the one you can create when you are in a room with people?
For those of us, myself included who are used to working with people face to face and who value the connection this brings it can be hard to imagine that there is an alternative. Over the last 6 months I have delivered my own online group coaching programme (We:Align). In the last few weeks I've also delivered a couple of values based leadership programmes with Columba 1400 (Social Enterprise and Charity). On top of all that I have also participated in two online programmes myself (always learning...).
These combined experiences have shown me that we must not underestimate the value that can be added and gained through online offerings. This blog is an opportunity for me to capture and share my experiences and learning so far. It is by no means a 'here's how to do it' or how to do it well post! I'm sure as I do more online I will learn more and I hope that by articulating my reflections I may encourgae others to share theirs. Perhaps this process will even help to share what the future holds for me and for others, although that perhaps sounds much grander than I intend.
My biggest learning has been that it is absolutely possible to create a safe space for sharing, for vulnerability, learning and growth. I find I have drawn on the principles or practices of attunement and presence more strongly in order to hold the space, to build a container for whatever may come and to be able to notice the (often) small non-verbal cues. I use the word small in two ways here as on a gallery view computer screen they are literally small as well being the gentle non-verbal cues we can easilymiss, even in person.
Sometimes, for some participants, being in their own environment and being able to engage in the activities without having to 'publicly' engage is helpful. Likewise, the ability to engage in learning and activities at their own pace and choosing can be empowering. This can create the opportunity to go even deeper than might be the case in an in-person experience.
There is a danger that as a facilitator of learning, I or we, compare like for like and conclude face to face is better. If we are used to face to face there is a danger that this is our preference and our comfort zone and that this then influences how we view an online experience. If, however, we compare the outcomes it is entirely possible to find that the outcomes are, or can be just as strong and just as empowering. So, the experience of how we do it is different but the why we do it and the outcomes are equally, possibly more powerful.
Perhaps being online makes the principle of planning backwards even more critical. A good friend and colleague Mark Burns asks a great question - what does beautiful look like? Get really clear on this - what do you want particpants to be able to think, feel, know and do and then make sure that your provide the stepping stones or routemap towards that.
Why is this more important than ever? I think it can be less easy to catch, redirect and mediate the learning in the moment as the 'learners' are more independent. As a facilitator or activator your feedback loop is different. You don't see things coming quite the same, you don't always have the opportunity to see it build. Of course this will vary depending on how the expereince is structured and organised.
Is this all sounding too rosey? My biggest fear was about the technology, specifically that it would let me down or that my ability to manage the tecnology would get in the way of me creating a high quality and impactful learning experience. Touch wood, this has been so much easier than I feared. Keeping it simple, building confidence and being really well prepared has been key.
On thing I would say is that I have found being online as the facilitator quite tiring. Exhasuting in fact. I think I am concentrating more or harder? Interestingly, as a participant I don't find it any more tiring.
As the world around has changed and contiues to change let's find ways to hold on to the possibilities that might be. Let's not return to 'normal', lets find what serves us well, hold on to it and let go of that which may no longer serve us and our community. Online may be one of those things.
I would love to hear your thoughts.