The 1st Step to Creating Online Professional Development
May 26, 2020
So, just a few months ago, you were thrown a curveball. We all were. The world shifted, and everything we knew about teaching and managing professional organizations had to be reevaluated. Suddenly, we were all navigating a new normal, trying to figure out how to do everything in a new way. But here’s the truth: the traditional methods we’ve relied on for years won’t cut it in this rapidly changing landscape.
The way our associations have operated for decades isn’t necessarily going to work anymore. The world is moving fast, and if you want your association to continue flourishing, you need to embrace change. New doesn’t always mean scary—it just means you have to find innovative ways to connect, grow, and thrive. Just like you’ve had to adjust to teaching in new ways, now it’s time to take that same approach to bringing your professional organization into the digital world.
Focus on Your People, Not the Platform
One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is focusing too much on the platform. While platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are great, the key to success isn’t about having the fanciest bells and whistles or the most elaborate coding. Sure, you can invest in special software and have developers build you the most customized websites, but at the end of the day, the most important piece of the puzzle is your people.
The heart of any successful online teaching or event experience is not the tools you use, but the way you engage your audience. If you focus too much on the technical details without considering what your members truly need, you’re missing the mark. Your people are the driving force behind everything, and understanding how to engage and help them effectively should be your primary concern.
A Scientific Approach to Online Teaching
Now that we know it’s about your people, let’s take a step further into how you can elevate your online teaching and association offerings.
In the digital age, effective online learning is key, and that’s where a scientific approach can make a huge difference. When we’re teaching online, we can’t assume that one size fits all. There are multiple types of learners, and understanding how to reach each of them is crucial for success.
To help guide you, I’ve created a webinar slide deck designed to address every type of learner. This slide deck isn’t just for you to present information—it’s designed to cut through the distractions that many people face when they’re learning from home. Whether they’re juggling kids, pets, or household chores, this tool will help learners focus on what they need to learn and retain that information effectively.
By implementing this scientifically-backed approach, you’ll engage your learners better, ensure they stay focused, and help them retain the information long after your session ends.
Why It Matters
Why should you care about adapting to this new world of online teaching and learning? Because it’s not going anywhere. The shift to online is permanent, and embracing it fully will allow you to stay ahead of the curve. Just like the students we teach, we too need to embrace change, keep learning, and adjust our strategies to fit the world we now live in.
The approach I’m sharing with you is designed to help you elevate your association’s offerings and make a deeper impact on your members. Don’t just try to piece together your professional development events. Create a strategic, engaging, and scientifically-driven learning experience that resonates with your people.
The Key Takeaway
Remember: don’t focus on the platform first. Focus on the learners, and then choose the tools that will help you engage them in the best way possible. If you have the right strategies in place, you’ll have a thriving, successful online experience that’s far more impactful than just having the latest tech.
If you're ready to get started, I invite you to download my done-for-you webinar slide deck. It’s designed to engage your learners and help you deliver information in a way that sticks. By understanding the science behind online learning, you’ll be able to build the best possible online experiences for your members, and elevate your association to the next level.
Let’s embrace this new way of learning and teaching—and take that step forward together.
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