Using Chat Effectively to Enhance Engagement#
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#
Welcome and Icebreaker: Use the chat at the beginning for a quick welcome or icebreaker.
Share Key Information: Provide important links, instructions, and resources.
Gather Feedback: Use the chat to gather quick feedback (e.g., using a scale of 1-10).
Pose Questions: Ask thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion.
Capture Insights: Encourage participants to share their insights, reflections, and examples.
Meta-Communication: Use the chat for “meta-communication” (e.g., the producer explaining facilitation choices to trainees).
Producer Monitoring: The producer monitors the chat and relays important information to the facilitator.
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.