The World's Worst Webinar Attendee
By Apryl Motley, CAE
I admit it. Despite the fact that I've spent the past four years planning them and how valuable I think they are as a learning tool, webinars are not for me. I've tried and tried to stay on task while attending webinars. Invariably, I start multi-tasking and doing something other than listening to the speakers. For the most part, I learn best face-to-face in a traditional classroom setting.
That said, my virtual learning method of choice would be online discussion groups like the one that I participated in when preparing to take the CAE exam. I enjoyed the ongoing exchange with my colleagues about association management topics, even though it wasn't happening in real time. The reality is that it isn't always possible to participate in learning in person during a designated timeframe.
As an online writing instructor for the University of Phoenix for almost a decade, I've seen first-hand how virtual learning has evolved and touched people's lives in a myriad of ways. I have "met” so many students from around the world who would not be able to pursue higher education if it wasn't made available online. The ability to learn from anywhere at any time makes education more accessible to everyone.
It is within this context that we're all challenged to determine how best to leverage virtual learning to benefit our members and other audiences our organizations serve. Likely, one size won't fit all, so it's important to find out what combination of virtual programs works best for your association.
With that in mind, Association Media and Publishing recently launched its first virtual learning survey. Webinars, videos, self-paced courses, and facilitated discussion groups—these are just some of the options available for virtual learning. As an individual learner, what works best for you? And which of these is most popular with your own members?
Apryl Motley, CAE, is a communications consultant, co-chair of Association Media & Publishing's Education Committee, and a member of the Content Creation Committee.
