The questioning process is vital to the stimulation of interactivity. However, sometimes "fear of embarrassment" and "fear of technology" can be barriers to two-way communication with on-site as well as live distance learning participants. Some techniques to help facilitate the questioning process are:

  • Pre-plan your questions.
  • Ask a question, then wait for a response. It is OK if there is silence. Recognize the lag time for distance learning participants to respond to questions.
  • If only a few students always answer the questions, request responses, i.e. "John Smith in Waycross, what do you think about this?"
  • Don't forget those students at the distance learning sites. Take the time to encourage them to become involved in the class.
  • Pause every once in a while and ask if there are any questions. Remember, silence is OK.