Using Chat Effectively to Enhance Engagement#

Tags chat zoom engagement facilitation production communication feedback questions online course accessibility

Short Description#

Strategies for using Zoom chat to increase participation and support learning during Better Conversations sessions.

Also Known As#

Engaging Chat Facilitation, Interactive Chat Management

Context#

This pattern is applicable to all online modules of the Better Conversations course.

Problem#

How to use the chat feature in Zoom to enhance participant engagement and create a more interactive learning experience without overwhelming participants or the facilitation team.

Solution#

Implement a structured approach to using the chat feature, incorporating proactive prompts, feedback mechanisms, and clear moderation guidelines.

Forces#

  • Participant Isolation: Online participants can feel disconnected.

  • Information Overload: The chat can quickly become overwhelming.

  • Accessibility: Ensuring that all participants have equal access to the chat.

  • Communication: The chat is a communication channel used by the facilitator, producer and participants.

Implementation#

  1. Welcome and Icebreaker: Use the chat at the beginning for a quick welcome or icebreaker.

  2. Share Key Information: Provide important links, instructions, and resources.

  3. Gather Feedback: Use the chat to gather quick feedback (e.g., using a scale of 1-10).

  4. Pose Questions: Ask thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion.

  5. Capture Insights: Encourage participants to share their insights, reflections, and examples.

  6. Meta-Communication: Use the chat for “meta-communication” (e.g., the producer explaining facilitation choices to trainees).

  7. Producer Monitoring: The producer monitors the chat and relays important information to the facilitator.

  8. Accessibility Considerations: Be aware that the chat is not a perfect tool, and to repeat anything in it aloud as some may not see.

Examples#

  • The facilitator asks participants to share their location in the chat as an icebreaker.

  • The producer posts links to relevant resources in the chat during a presentation.

Rationale#

Using the chat effectively provides value to the participants

Consequences#

  • Positive: Increased participant engagement, improved communication.

  • Negative: Potential for distraction and information overload if not managed well.