The WebEx chat bar may be the most under-utilized tool in your virtual classroom. Few tools are easier for you to use, while also increasing the engagement of your students.

Every time students type in the chat, they are more engaged in your classroom. Every. Single. Time. Asking them to type in the chat a few times per WebEx session is good strategy because these will be more likely to be present and engaged with your content.

However, asking them to type in the chat bar is also good strategy for you because it provides you such an easy way to see if they are learning what you want them to be learning. Creating some routines and expectations around student use of the chat bar – if you do not already do this – has the power to transform your virtual classroom.

Please watch the attached video for chat bar engagement strategies learned from Columbia’s Teacher College. Let’s Chat:  Your Simplest Tool to Maximize Engagement and Innovate Assessment, 7:05.

Links in the “Let’s Chat!” Video: Baylor University,  Polls in WebEx 2:15; Edutech, Six Questions to Improve your Virtual Classroom (2:08)