Videoconferencing technology provides a unique opportunity for interactive presentations. Unlike videos and one-way communications, presenters can discuss topics with students and engage in activities that supplement the information being presented. First and foremost, presenters should coordinate with the instructor to understand the objectives of the presentation within the planned curriculum.
Work with the instructor to determine the desired level of interactivity
Presenters and instructors should determine how interactive the presentation will be before the presentation and discuss ways to engage the students with the material. Creating a basic plan for the presentation can help everyone know what to expect.
Tailor the presentation for the course objectives
Instructors should let presenters know what kinds of activities and discussions the class has completed leading up to the presentation. Instructors can provide particular talking points for the presenter that touch on class topics. This will help the presenter know what kind of activities the students like and how the presentation fits within the curriculum.
Gather and provide all materials and resources well before the presentation
Presenters should provide all documents and resources to the instructors well before the presentation so that the instructor can have them ready for the class and potentially adapt them to suit the class needs.
Make activities and interaction the focus of the overall presentation
Students should be encouraged to participate in the presentation by including activities that can be completed before, during and/or after the presentation. It may also help to provide the students with a short schedule of activities so they know what to expect.
Break up presentations into segments
Presentations should be broken down into sections so that lectures are punctuated by an interactive activity. There should always be time at the end for final questions for the presenter.
Don't make the technology be the main focus
Presenters shouldn't rely only on the technology to administer information. In other words, videos and PowerPoint slides are good for breaking up a presentation into sections, but should be kept to a minimum. It is the human interaction that makes this experience unique.
Ask for feedback
Some sort of feedback mechanism, such as a brief survey, should be incorporated into the presentation so the presenter can use the information for future presentations either with this class or others.