In today’s Freemium pay model used by EdTech companies, free only goes so far. It is either a limited version of the product, or more often, temporarily free with a wink and a nod toward collecting the conversion money later.

That’s why Bob Riefstahl’s offer of free to all educators has meaning. We first heard about the classroom training program Classroom 2.0 back in July when it was being created. Reported in a Forbes article by education expert and Forbes columnist Robyn Shulman, the column How This Technology Sales Leader Is Guiding Teachers Toward Instructional Enlightenment interviewed Riefstahl about his motivation for creating the best training program in the world for teachers to teach online.

Riefstahl, one of the world’s leading experts in training top technology companies to communicate online, said “Education has needed a technological wake-up call for some time. With the Coronavirus pandemic forcing learning online, that call is happening too quickly— delivering punishing blows to our teachers because they don’t have the correct knowledge and training to teach online successfully. Like anything else, teaching and delivering presentations online is a learned behavior.” Riefstahl continued, “Plain and simple, children are the world’s future, and I have two sons who were both products of the public-school system, and both excelled in their careers. If we can help teachers that work with kids in very diverse school systems, we can create a better world.”

According to Shulman, “Riefstahl believes his company’s expertise and experience in the business sector can translate well in the education sector. They train the largest and most successful technology companies in the world to use soft skills to help them connect with prospective buyers of their products in a virtual environment. Their most deep-rooted focus is on the product presentation and demonstration, and they base it on neuro-linguistic programming. 

“Riefstahl realized the same techniques that his company uses to teach to some of the most talented and highly paid workers in the world could be effective with the teacher and student experience.”

Independent Review

Classroom 2.0 is an easy to use and easy to digest series of short videos. It was completed in August and is now ready for every school district and independent school in the United States to use. In a product review by education writer and columnist Dr. Christy Martin, an educator and administrator with 30 years’ experience, the video series was described as “A how-to professional development series that is comprehensive, easy to understand and easily prepares teachers to teach online.”

Martin said, “I was struck by the simplicity of the video series that I just watched. Classroom 2.0 is easy to use even for someone like me, who is not the most tech savvy of users. From the beginning, the narrative was clear, easy to follow and gave enlightening information in small palatable pieces. From the initial, ‘Setting Up the Classroom,’ to the tips at the end, I was able to follow the instructions that would provide even the most reluctant online teachers a vehicle for teaching success.

“The instruction continues with topics like troubleshooting, how to set up a background, how to keep student attention and interest and using whiteboards. Of special interest to educators will be the 3Cs: Connection, content, and call to action. Tips and timely information are even given on how to record lessons and how to record on your cell phone and transfer that to the computer.

“This series is the most practical I have seen. It is step by step, can be watched in 8 to 15-minute segments or all at once. The segments are also broken apart and clearly labeled and can be reviewed when the teacher hits a snag. It is not too much for the average instructor to comprehend in just a few settings, is upbeat, and will encourage teachers that may not love working or teaching from home. However, all that watch it will get something from it and they will be more effective and confident in their instruction. I would highly recommend it for all teachers and encourage school districts to secure a copy for every teacher,” said Martin.

To get your free video course, Classroom 2.0, click here. Your coupon code is: 2WINCARES. Until September 30, the full course is free for any educator living or teaching in North America using the link and coupon code provided. There is nothing for educators to buy, period. After September 30, the series will be available to purchase for educators, schools and districts. At that time, there will be a modest charge to help fund the ongoing availability of the series but will not include any upgrades or freemium-type programs. Everyone will still receive the complete series to use.