2.1 Interacting via digital technologies
Topic Activity
Digital dialogue lab: mastering online communication & collaboration
Aim of the activity
To develop adult learners’ competence in using digital tools for effective communication and collaboration in diverse work or community environments.
Target Group
Adult learners, especially those seeking to improve workplace communication, participate in online communities or engage in lifelong learning.
Duration
90 minutes (adjustable between 60–120 minutes depending on context)
Objective
By the end of this session, learners will:
Understand the appropriate use of digital tools for interaction and teamwork.
Demonstrate awareness of digital communication etiquette (netiquette).
Collaborate effectively in a digitally supported environment.
Evaluate which communication tools best serve different collaborative needs.
Materials necessary to execute activity
For Online:
Zoom / Google Meet / MS Teams
Google Docs / Jamboard / Padlet
Stable internet and devices (PC/tablet/smartphone)
For Offline:
Printed case scenarios
Laptops or printed templates for group work
Flipcharts or whiteboards
Pens and sticky notes
For Hybrid:
Room with a projector and webcam
Shared digital collaboration tools
Separate spaces for online participants (if needed)
Steps for implementation
6–25 participants, ideally working in small groups of 3–5
Phase 1: Warm-up and framing – 15 minutes
Brief introduction to the importance of digital communication in modern professional life.
Quick poll or quiz (e.g., Mentimeter): “Which digital tools do you use regularly?”
▶️ Show TedX video on “The Impact of Technology on Communication”
Phase 2: Scenario challenge – 45 minutes
Learners are divided into groups. Each group is given a scenario that requires digital collaboration.Examples:
Organize a virtual volunteer campaign.
Plan a hybrid training session.
Resolve a team conflict via email/chat.
They must:
Choose appropriate digital communication tools.
Create a short action plan using a collaborative platform (Google Docs/Jamboard).
Practice communicating with each other using the selected tools.
Phase 3: Sharing and reflection – 20 minutes
Groups share their plans and reflect on tool choice and the interaction process.
Discussion: What worked well? What didn’t?
Facilitator prompts:
“How did tone affect the clarity of your messages?”
“Would your strategy differ if this were in-person?”
Phase 4: Self-assessment and feedback – 10 minutes
Learners complete a quick self-assessment:
Comfort with using digital tools
Confidence in applying netiquette
Areas for further learning
Use Padlet or printed forms for feedback.
Skills developed with the activity
Digital communication
Critical thinking in tool selection
Collaboration in virtual/hybrid settings
Netiquette and professional behavior online
Adaptability and digital fluency
Methodology
Scenario-based learning
Group collaboration
Reflective practice
Use of real-world tools and contexts
Evaluation
What tool did your group select, and why?
How did your team ensure clear and respectful communication?
What strategies helped you manage the collaborative task digitally?
If you had to do this task offline, what would change?
Links & References
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
