Virtual icebreakers — how to start sessions with energy

What is an icebreaker in virtual learning, and why use one?

An icebreaker in virtual learning is a short, intentional activity used to build psychological safety, connection, and early engagement.

It sets the tone for participation, eases anxiety, and ensures learners can use platform tools before diving into content.

A good icebreaker connects emotionally, intellectually, or environmentally—aligning with the InQuire Engagement Framework™.

Benefits of Virtual Icebreakers:

• Emotional Engagement: Builds trust and comfort.
• Intellectual Engagement: Introduces key ideas through low-pressure interaction.
• Environmental Engagement: Reinforces platform tool fluency (chat, polls, whiteboards).

When NOT to Use an Icebreaker: Avoid them when time is tight, learners already know each other, or the activity feels disconnected from session goals.

Explore techniques:

• Why Are You Using Icebreakers?
• Workshop: Emotionally Intelligent Virtual Learning
• Workshop: Energize Virtual Learning