Context
OACAS courses are now being offered virtually to the sector via a virtual classroom platform that is integrated with myOACAS Learning and enables live training sessions and other face-to-face activities online in real-time. This guide is intended as a support for agencies and trainers as they build their capacity to offer virtual training delivery.
OACAS resources
- Virtual classroom training guideDocument outlining the use of the OACAS virtual classroom platform for trainers who are delivering courses virtually
Trainers also have access to a dedicated space on myOACAS Learning which provides resources in support of virtual delivery, including a train-the-trainer webinar recording which provides an overview of the virtual classroom platform and the ways in which it can be used to deliver OACAS courses. To access this space on myOACAS Learning, please register by emailing OACAS Learning Delivery Specialist Ashna Zaidi at azaidi@oacas.org.
Icebreakers and activities
- Virtual training icebreakers10 ideas for virtual icebreakers from the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)
- Icebreakers for online classesResource from the University of Waterloo's Centre for Teaching Excellence
Facilitation tips and strategies
- Facilitating video conferences and webinarsResource from the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)
- What it takes to run a great virtual meetingArticle from the Harvard Business Review outlining 12 steps for improved virtual meetings
- Strategies for teaching in the virtual classroom and facilitating virtual meetingsTips from University of Calgary Continuing Education instructor and eLearning expert Nadine Gilfillan
Challenges and considerations
- Considerations for remote professional learningInfographic addressing the various considerations related to virtual professional learning from creating a supportive learning environment to providing opportunities for reflection
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Online Teaching: Where to Begin?Guide by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology Equity & Inclusion Office at the University of British Columbia.
- Accessibility best practices for remote instructionSuggestions for how to think about and plan for accessible remote learning experiences. From the University of Colorado Boulder
- Best practices for delivering virtual classroom trainingResource from Adobe with general principles for virtual training delivery and suggestions for addressing some of the common pitfalls and challenges of remote learning
- Teaching through a pandemic: A mindset for this momentArticle from Edutopia with considerations and reassurances for those new to virtual training
Other resources
- The virtual trainer’s guide to content delivery: 5 techniques to deliver an effective virtual classWhite paper by learning consultant Cindy Hugget
- Supporting the virtual workforce: Converting the classroom from in-person to onlineRecording of a webinar hosted by the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI). Webinar slides are available here
- Converting classroom training from in-person to online: Strategies for effective deliveryResource from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University
- Tools for online learningList of asynchronous and synchronous learning technologies compiled by the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)
