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Structure. A word we all know, which we know is important and which seems so obvious. But when we start thinking about it... What does structure really mean? Why is it so important? And how do you apply it in a live online class or session? In this blog Maret, Live Online Learning Consultant at Learning Connected, explains what structure means in a live online setting and why it's important. We'll also share our 5 favorite ways to create structure during an online class or training, so you can get right down to it!
Structure, what does it mean?
According to Wikipedia, structure means The way something is put together. The Van Dale dictionary adds to this that structure is is the way a composite is constructed. If we relate this to a live online setting, for example an online lesson or an online training course, we can conclude on this basis that structure is the way in which an online lesson or training course is constructed and composed. In an article published in 2012, which examined the degree of structure in relation to effective learning strategies and learner experiences, structure is defined as the extent to which a teacher provides necessary information, hints, and examples, and offers help, feedback, and guidance through clear expectations, explicit directions, and appropriate guidance. So structure in a live online setting actually means the construction and composition of information and guidance during a session.
Structure, why is it important?
There are two good reasons why structure is important in an online lesson or training. First, structure plays a big role in the effectiveness of an online lesson or training. Structure in an online lesson or training provides overview and support, both for learners and participants and for the teacher and trainer. This increases the sense of security of students or participants. And as we learned in the previous blog "Our favorites in a row: 5 surprising live online introductions", the feeling of safety in the group is a requirement for personal learning. In addition, structure also ensures that students or participants can keep their attention on the online lesson or training. Research shows that after 10-15 minutes, attention quickly wanes. In a structured lesson or training, in which students/participants work alternately on different learning objectives, they keep their attention with the online lesson or training.
Structure, how do you create it?
We're happy to explain our 5 favorite ways to create structure in an online class or training.
1. Structure
Structure stands or falls with the structure of your online lesson or training session! Try to make sure that your lessons or training sessions are structured in a recognizable and comparable way. Think of the layout: use the same template for all your sessions, it will also save you a lot of time! The content is even more important. At Learning Connected we use the 'Head Hull Tail Model'. This model ensures that the content of all sessions is structured in the same - clear - way, with topics following each other chronologically. For example, you start by welcoming the students or participants, apply an informal introduction or warm-up, go through the structure of the lesson, the topics and goals together and after a repetition of the topics from previous lessons or sessions you make the transition to a new topic. In the tail end, you conclude with a summary, a knowledge quiz, an evaluation and a round of questions.
2. House Rules
Make sure everyone is on the same page and students and participants know what is expected of them by starting the online lesson or training with the house rules. Think about agreements on whether or not to participate with the camera on, the microphone on or off when you are not speaking, asking questions in between or afterwards, and so on. Briefly repeat the house rules every lesson or training session and have students or participants complete them where necessary.
3. Clear instruction.
Give clear and straightforward instructions. For example, explain how you want students or participants to provide answers to a question. Is that through public chat, individual chat, verbally with the microphone on, by raising their hand, or using the pointer? Also, clearly explain what needs to be done, how much time is available, and how they can come to you for questions. For example, "You will soon break up into a breakout room for 15 minutes where you will work on the assignment in pairs. If you have any questions, you can invite me into your breakout room."
4. Checking in
Structure was defined earlier in this blog as the totality of help, directions, and appropriate guidance. To make sure that the directions given are clear, and students or participants understand what is expected of them and are motivated to (continue to) participate, it is important that you check in with everyone during the lesson. For example, use chat and have everyone send a GIF or smiley face about how they are sitting there or how they are feeling about the lesson, topic or assignment. You can also have everyone raise their hand in response to the question of whether they understand, whether they are excited, whether they find it boring, and so on. In addition, of course, you can make use of the camera images and name what you see. Plan time for this and make use of the resources and opportunities you have!
5. Space for questions
As mentioned in point 2, it is advisable to consciously schedule time and space for questions. Try to clearly indicate when this opportunity is available. Prevent students or participants from not knowing what is expected of them and when they can ask their questions. Agree in advance when there is room for this. For example, schedule a time for questions after each topic or work form, or keep time free for this at the end of the lesson. You can also agree to sit down with someone afterwards to discuss his/her questions. The other students or participants can leave the lesson or session by then.
Get started and create structure in your online lesson or session
In short, there are all kinds of different ways to structure your online lesson or training. Most importantly, pay attention to the structure and composition of your lesson and how you convey information well. An instructor or trainer who offers a structured live online session will ensure that students or participants feel confident about how to move forward with what they have learned and look back on the lesson or training positively after the session. We hope you can achieve this with our 5 favorite ways in your online class or training!
Want to learn more about creating structure in your online class or training? We'll teach you all about it in our workshop structuring your live online class or session. Are you curious about our other 5 favorites? We previously wrote about:
