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Sphere facilitators gain new skills in online teaching methods
The network of Sphere practitioners around the world includes people with experience in conducting training and learning activities based on Sphere and the Sphere Handbook.
From early 2020, COVID-19 lockdown measures made in-person workshops difficult to organise and increased the demand for online learning.
Facilitating engaging and interactive online workshops requires unique skills. Technologies like videoconferencing, breakout rooms, polls, virtual whiteboards and other interactive presentation platforms can be daunting for participants, which means facilitators need to be comfortable using them.
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Recognising this need, Sphere – in collaboration with RedR UK – offered a Training of Trainers (ToT) in online teaching methods to a group of 16 listed Sphere facilitators in January 2021. Four of the graduates had a chance to put their online facilitation skills into practice during a series of online Sphere workshops for participants of SIMEX, the largest annual humanitarian simulation in the United Kingdom. |
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“The ToT was a game changer in showing that Sphere is adaptable and remains a go-to tool in humanitarian response in varying circumstances. International experts and participants were able to forge ahead with humanitarian training under the current lockdown.” [Mbiri Shiripinda, Zimbabwe] |
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“The SIMEX workshops were a great opportunity for us to put our online teaching skills into practice. And to rack up some recent Sphere-focused experience for our trainer profiles!” [Zeynep M. Sanduvac, Turkey] |
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“I realized that many of my regular face-to-face training activities can be translated into online formats e.g. the Sphere Handbook structure jigsaw puzzle. This activity stimulated good discussions in the groups and during de-briefing.” [Dr Oliver Hoffmann, Germany] |
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“The workshops helped hone my skills in facilitating effective online training. For example, how to effectively use online methodologies and tools, how to ensure more interaction and participation with participants when online, and how to better co-facilitate online sessions.” [Andrew Nzimbi, Kenya] |
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“The SIMEX workshops were an international collaboration between facilitators from different countries and varying backgrounds. Future collaborations seem to be the way to go.” [Mbiri Shiripinda, Zimbabwe] |
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And here is what some of the participants thought about the workshops:
“The trainers delivered an interactive and fun session; the variety of delivery methods was refreshing.”
‘’The facilitators were really good. They were so friendly and helped to engage and expand my knowledge of Sphere.”
‘’I like there are multiple presenters all with different backgrounds and things to add. Very interesting!”
Do you wish to offer Sphere training to your employees or volunteers? Then browse our database of over 100 listed Sphere facilitators to put together the right team for your event.
A Spanish version of the ToT in online teaching methods runs from June to July 2021.