Tech Host Masterclass Module

Case Study

This project started as a small PowerPoint presentation deck redesign for District 57’s TLI Officer Tech Host training session. I was then recruited to present the training content. Because of the positive feedback and success of the training, I was asked to develop a Tech Host Masterclass video for a Toastmasters member working on their High Performance Leadership project.

Analysis
Problem—Volunteer Tech Hosts may or may not have technological experience hosting digital Zoom meetings.

Audience—The individuals are working full-time/part-time or retired. They come from various backgrounds and experience.

Goal—Train Tech Hosts on the role and how to execute Zoom technical tasks to perform during online meetings.

Learning Constraints—Personalized follow up is lacking because of short timelines between training and the actual meeting. A big consideration regarding pre-recorded online video was that questions could not be addressed or repeated immediately while the viewer is watching. Unknown what specific areas individuals are struggling with or what they don’t understand until the task is encountered during a live meeting.

Delivery Method—A 15-30 minute instructional Masterclass video hosted on the Toastmasters International District 57 website.

Timeline—Two months for gathering the information, production, editing, revisions, brand approval and stakeholder approval.

Design
Being that the content was technically detailed, motion graphic illustrations supplemented with voice over directions were chosen to give the viewer context with the Zoom interface, once inside the meeting environment.

Behavioral outcomes desired included applying the knowledge (cognitive) and responding to the training in a positive manner where the Tech Host would feel confident in executing the tasks in a successful manner (affective). There may be follow up meetings to address any specific clarification or rehearsal needed by a viewer to address kinesthetic practice. A reference screen was added at the end of the video directing viewers to the Zoom support page for further information on the various tasks, if needed.

In replacement of storyboards, the existing Tech Host training PowerPoint presentation was used as the foundation for content flow, graphics and video script. The design of the video followed the Toastmasters International brand guidelines on image style, typeface, colors, and transitions. In addition, the video guidelines required intro and outro slides for the title, disclaimer, and credits.

Development
Pre-production—The Tech Host PowerPoint training deck content was used to identify and breakdown the module in a logical manner. After writing out all the tasks, subtasks and duties, I used the Curriculum Design Spreadsheet Template by Jason Teteak to organize the content with lessons and three tasks under each lesson. Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts (SME) for competition specific information and processes. Gathered screenshots, created icons, intro and outro slides, developed ways to illustrate concepts, acquired background imagery, and determined effective ways to transition between the video segments and full screen graphics.

Production—A successful test shoot was completed to verify that the green screen, lighting, sound, motion graphics and transitional elements worked well together. The final video production was completed in collaboration with Dented Cranium Productions.

Post-production—I edited the audio and video, added the graphical element, animated the motion graphics, and created the final render. Toastmasters International Brand Council approved the video, content and design. The stakeholder requested minor revisions that were updated. The video is now ready to be uploaded to the website for Tech Hosts to watch.

Implementation and Evaluation
The implementation and evaluation are yet to be determined. As feedback and tasks are completed, formative evaluations and revisions may be made to create a more comprehensive module.