You log in, launch the session, and greet your learners… crickets.
Cameras off. Mics muted. Not even a wave in chat.
Virtual instructor-led training (vILT) can feel like shouting into the void—but it doesn’t have to. Managing learner participation starts before the session begins. It’s about setting expectations, offering options, and creating a culture where learners feel safe (and even excited!) to turn on their camera and unmute to use their voice.
What does the research say?
Most research really highlights the importance cameras on can have on engagement, presence, accountability, academic achievement, and connection.
- A study published in Technology, Mind, and Behavior found that students with their cameras on during virtual classes reported higher levels of engagement, without increasing fatigue. The visibility increased their sense of accountability and presence, leading to more active participation.
https://tmb.apaopen.org/pub/nneg7kpj/release/1 - Research in the Education and Information Technologies journal observed a correlation between active camera use, class involvement, and improved academic achievement. Students who kept their cameras on were more involved and performed better academically.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-022-11380-2 - A study in the European Journal of Teaching and Education highlighted that educators perceive camera use as central to building a classroom community and assessing student involvement. Seeing participants’ faces helps instructors gauge understanding and fosters a more connected learning environment. https://www.academia.edu/104958126/Camera_Use_in_the_Online_Classroom_Students_and_Educators_Perspectives
My final thought is to be thoughtful and purposeful. If you are delivering a class, or in a team meeting where connection, engagement, accountability and/or learning is important, ask people to turn them on, but if it is a reflection activity within a class, or an exercise where they are not necessary, invite them to turn them off.
Let’s dive into some practical ways to build a more connected virtual classroom.
- Normalize Expectations Early and Often
The best way to avoid the silent square grid? Set the tone before your session starts. I will often do this with an email that I send prior to the session that includes an online Rise course called Preparing to Learn Online. In this short course, I set expectations around technology, cameras, how to show up, etc. Additionally, include a slide in your welcome deck or pre-session email with a friendly, clear message like:
“We love to see your face! Please turn on your camera if you’re able. Even better—tell them why it matters: “Seeing each other helps us feel more connected, levels-up your learning, and encourages participation!”
- Respect the “Why” Behind Cameras Off
Not everyone is comfortable turning on their camera—and that’s OK. As facilitators, it’s important to acknowledge that learners may have valid reasons (bandwidth, privacy, neurodiversity, etc.) for staying off video.
Instead of demanding camera-on behavior, offer alternatives for participation:
- Reactions and emojis 🙋♀️👏🙌
- Chat prompts
- “Raise hand” for questions or contributions
- Using their voice, even if just briefly, during small group discussions
Psychological safety leads to real engagement. Build trust first, and the cameras may follow. The other caveat I always use is that while we ask them to try not to be moving (driving or otherwise), if they are moving, we ask them to turn off their cameras.
- Use Platform Settings to Encourage (Not Enforce) Participation
Here’s how Zoom and Microsoft Teams can help manage participation:
💻 Zoom Tips
- Use the “Ask to Start Video” feature to invite (not force) video.
- Enable non-verbal feedback (like thumbs up, hand raise).
- Use Spotlight Video carefully—let learners know when it’s coming.
- Encourage use of Reactions for low-pressure engagement.
🧑💻 Microsoft Teams Tips
- Turn on Together Mode to create a shared visual experience.
- Use Polls and Word Clouds to prompt quick feedback.
- Pin cameras strategically for discussion or modeling behavior.
Producers can support all of these behind the scenes so you can focus on facilitation.
- Check the Energy Without Calling It Out
Instead of saying, “Wow, it’s quiet today…” use this moment to spark interaction:
- “Drop an emoji if you’ve had your second cup of coffee already.”
- “What’s one word that describes how you’re showing up today?”
- “Let’s do a reaction roll call—thumbs up if you’re ready to dive in!”
These quick, low-risk check-ins encourage participation without putting anyone on the spot.
- Make Engagement Part of Your Design
You can’t rely on personality alone to make a vILT session interactive. Design for it. Include moments of:
- Chatstorms
- Camera-on “small share” moments
- Breakout rooms with structured roles
- Light check-ins every 5–7 minutes
Consistency builds comfort. And once your learners know what to expect, they’ll start showing up—on camera, share their voices off mute, and fully present.
Want to make it easy?
Check out Preparing to Learn Online—a short Rise course that sets the tone from the start. This one we send out before we teach our Canva course.
Use ours as a guide, create your own, and drop it into your next session.