Structuring Sessions

When beginning to plan co-design sessions keep the following in mind:

• If facilitating virtually, be prepared that teens may choose not to use their cameras – at least until relationships are established. Understand that for teens to “show” themselves takes a comfort level and trust that needs to be built. Allowing cameras to be off is a sign of respect and provides teens with agency. Over time teens may choose to turn on their cameras and/or adult facilitators may ask teens to turn on their cameras for certain portions of the session, for example during the QotD
• Before engaging teens in small groups and/or VR spaces, make sure to give out activity instructions ahead of time. Short demos are key.
• To mitigate some challenges that may arise with teens that are overly vocal and those that may be overly quiet, organize activities in which everyone can take on a specific role or task.
• When thinking about group sizes keep in mind that in the virtual environment smaller groups of 2 or 3 may reap greater conversation. Also, the size of the group and interaction within groups may vary if cameras are or are not in use.
• As you engage more with teens and learn about their interests and personalities, revise how rooms and activities are organized so as to embrace the interests and personalities effectively.
• When meeting in Discord along with a VR space, make sure to consider where full group discussions and debriefings take place. What will work best for facilitators and teens?
• Let teens know that if they are feeling uncomfortable during a session they can “walk away.” In VR teens may become overwhelmed and need a chance to refresh before joining back in with the group.