Virtual Workshops

Developing Slides

Slide Template: Create slides using the Hub-branded slides that have accessibility features built into them.

Goals: Include a slide that lists the goals that students will accomplish during the workshop and refer to these goals throughout the workshop.

Agreements for Engagement: Include a slide that lists agreements for engagement within the virtual workshop space., such as:

- If you have a question or an example, please share in the chat
- Please mute your microphone unless you are sharing something during the workshop
- We will hold a shared commitment to creating a supportive environment
- We will recognize that we are all learning and that this is a place of growth
- Share responsibility for including everyone in the discussion

Written Instructions: In addition to saying instructions for activities or question prompts out loud, include written instructions or prompts on slides.

Representation : Consider how your images and examples can include people who are often underrepresented in career service environments so that students who may be experiencing imposter syndrome can see themselves represented and feel a sense of belonging. For example, see these recommended sources for free stock photos of people of color.

Videos: Make sure that videos have captions and that they are turned on when played.

GIFs: Make sure that GIFs loop for a maximum of 5 seconds using a tool like EZGIF.

Using Platforms

For details on video call practices and platform-specific instructions, see Video Meetings

Presenting the Workshop

Opening the Workshop

Introduce Self: Provide an introduction to who you are, your background, and your interest in the session topic in order to create a more personal relationship with participants. Let students know how you would like them to address you.

Introduce Platform - Introduce the various features of the platform, where they are located on participants’ screens, and how to engage with them: the chat box, the speaker or gallery view, the microphone, etc.

Introduce Workshop Format: Because students may have had different types of experiences with virtual programming, describe the format and expectations for the workshop. For example: “This will be an interactive workshop where you will be invited to share your knowledge, experience, and perspectives. We will provide opportunities for you to share your ideas through written formats (in the chat and google docs) as well as out loud through small group and large group discussions.”

Edit Name and Pronouns: Invite participants to change their name to what they would like people to use during the workshop and add their pronouns. Model this format with your own name: Haley (she/her)

In Bluejeans: Click on People at the top right menu and then click the pencil next to your name to edit.
In Zoom: Click on Participants in the bottom menu and then click your name and select "Rename."

Option for Video: Because students may be balancing different home responsibilities and may not want to provide others with a view into their homes, do not require that students turn on their video during the workshop. You can invite participants to turn on their during breakout sessions or when they are sharing a comment or answering a question.

Commitment to Inclusion: Share your commitment to creating an accessible, inclusive space during the virtual workshop and that you welcome feedback for anything that could be done to make it more inclusive.

During the Workshop

Options for Answering Questions: Provide students the option to share their answers both verbally and within the chat box when responding to questions.

Explain Digital Features - If choosing to use features like break-out rooms or polling, guide participants through what will happen with the process before beginning it. For example: “A poll will open on your screen with 4 different options, you will then choose your answer to the question. I will alert you when there is 1 min before I will close it. I will then receive the results and publish them to the audience. Your name will not be recorded with your response.”

Describe Visuals: Describe the visuals on your slides that aim to communicate relevant information (graphs, charts, etc.) or to elicit a group reaction (laughing, surprise, etc.). For example: “On this slide, there is an image that shows the places where a person’s eyes commonly look when they are scanning a resume. There are red marks to indicate where the eyes normally rest. The red marks are located at the top of the page and along the left column of the document.”

Individual Time Before Group Sharing: Provide students time to collect ideas in writing or thinking individually before sharing within a small group or large group.

Draw on Students’ Background Knowledge: When introducing concepts, ask students what they know about a topic in order to bring their knowledge into the room and highlight their expertise.

Growth Mindset: Emphasize the role of effort and commitment - not intrinsic ability - in achievement and success. Highlight that struggles, challenges and frustrations are essential parts of the learning process.

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