Over the last year we have investigated and trialled a lot of different online tools. Whilst using these tools a few key insights have become clear to us.
10 things we’ve learnt about deciding on an online tool
1. Design before tool
Just like any tool in your facilitation/engagement toolkit you must use it wisely. Decide what you are trying to do first - what outcome are you aiming for? By focussing on your purpose and objectives you can then choose the most appropriate tool for the job at hand. Don’t be blindly lead by the tool.
2. Allows participants to make meaning themselves
The best tools are those that enable the participants to have control and agency over the data. By enabling people to make sense of their input (to group it, move it, align it) makes them feel empowered. They can see where their information goes and can find common ground.
3. Live and collaborative
An effective online tool is one that works in ‘real time’. Participants can see the input change in real time rather than have it be static or moveable in a chatline.
4. Customisable and flexible
The online tools that work best are those you can adapt and modify to suit your project, process and situation. In this way the tool becomes integrated into your facilitation plan.
5. Participatory
The best online tools are those you can use and introduce to participants with little or no training. This way you can easily introduce this tool to others that are less experienced with a quick and simple introduction.
6. Allows you to save your templates and not reinvent the wheel
Having to reset your templates or re-create materials for capturing input each time you want to use them is time consuming. The best tools are where you can copy or ‘clean’ your templates from sessions easily so they can be reused the next time you have a similar process.
7. Allows connected processes and builds on each step
By being able to create a string of activities that build on each other, the input of participants is genuinely respected. The best online tools mean you can see this ‘string of pearls’ from one part of the process to the next.
8. Think about the end in mind
Data management and being able to export your data easily makes your life easier after the workshop. Tools that are difficult to export, produce only a jpg or pdf and are not ‘malleable’ data exports (such as excel spreadsheets) make your life harder afterwards. In essence you haven’t gained any of the online inut benefits that you could have from using a different tool.
9. Free and familiar
Where possible it is nice to use tools that people are already familiar with. This means the transition is easier, there is a reduced need to explain how it works and access has already been gained. It is fair to say that not all tools can be free and familiar and provide all the other above options.
10. Easy to learn
The best tool is one that you, as facilitator, are not worried about managing whilst you are facilitating. Those tools that are intuitive, easier to learn and that make sense to you are the best ones for you to choose. Taking some time out to familiarise yourself with your preferred tool will make the whole process smoother in the long run.
interactive technology
In our virtual facilitation training series we’ve done a summary of some of the tools we’ve been using and their different capabilities.
Below is an outline of some of our most frequently used examples that illustrate the range of functionalities and uses.
We’ve selected a range to show you some easy to use examples that are accessible, however this is by no means exhaustive and we encourage you to explore.
Our tips are that you should start simple and build from there once you are comfortable with using them in a workshop environment.
If you are interested in learning more about
virtual facilitation
check out our training courses.
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