Virtual Learning

by Angela Gallogly
Vice President of USA Operations, Advanced Team Concepts
http://www.atctraining.com

Many of my customers have reported a recent budget cut in their training dollars. In tough economic times, training is often one of the first areas to be impacted. Despite this, the need for training still exists. Training (or lack of training) does have an impact on the bottom line. To assist with this dynamic, many of us in the training world have ramped up our development and delivery of virtual training.

Today I’m writing specifically about Virtual Facilitator-led Training. This web-based training has the advantage of live instructors to guide and facilitate the learning. The use of a “virtual classroom” eliminates the huge costs of travel to bring both learners and instructors to a central location for the classes.

Web-based training can cross all geographic barriers. If you are part of a global organization, you can leverage this advantage to bring needed communication and training to your team on a global scale.

Some points to consider when planning your virtual training:

• Use a trainer who is experienced with virtual training. If they don’t have experience, make sure they participate in a “training-for-trainers” on the topic of virtual learning.

• Choose the right learning platform. There are many virtual “classrooms” to choose from. Look for one that has features that will help you achieve your learning objectives.

• Don’t be tempted to upload your PowerPoint presentation and conduct an existing in-class curriculum virtually. The virtual classroom has needs that are unique from the traditional classroom.

Many of us have had exposure to virtual meetings or training. If you’re like me, you’ve seen both good and bad. There’s nothing worse than a boring presentation that makes you sleepy and more than a little tempted to check your email during the session. But when skillfully developed and delivered, a webinar can provide an engaging and rich learning experience.

The key to success with virtual facilitator-led programs is the interactivity of the learning design. This is essential—the capacity to keep participants engaged and learning, not checking out or multi-tasking during key instruction processes. Additionally, the instructor’s ability to facilitate discussion and respond to questions can ensure that the learners are taking all they need from the training.

As I've become more experienced with this format, my excitment about the potential grows. I'm convinced that this can be a truly effective way to bridge the gaps of time, money and distance that prevent organizations from commiting to the training that they need.