Virtual classroom training refers to the delivery of training via a video training or learning platform. All participants “login” remotely, in real-time, with an instructor delivering virtually. It’s a great way of overcoming geographic barriers, reducing travel time and costs whilst still getting access to experts.
For many companies, L&D professionals and trainers, the COVID19 situation means that Virtual Classroom training is going to be used for the first time. So, if you now need to create and run a virtual classroom training session use the following tips to begin.
Running virtual classroom training for the first time
There are endless blogs and resources on running virtual classroom training (which are listed below) so we’ve looked to condense the list to the following:
Know your audience – what do they need from the session? What do they want? What are their expectations? Knowledge level? Understanding of topics? Are they all willing content?
Know the technology – if you are using new technology then spend time learning what it can or cannot do. Learn the short cuts so you are comfortable with it. Know basic troubleshooting or resources where to point people to. You don’t want to be the one saying “I’m not sure why that’s happened” in the middle of a session.
Revise your content – you can’t just replicate the classroom content. You need to organise your content different, making sure whatever you share is relevant, organised, clear and to the point. You won’t be able “page flip” , topic-jumping is hard and you have to keep people’s attention.
Structure – A full day of training isn’t going to work, so break it into chunks. Think of additional online resources people can access before and after the training begins. What content needs to be “in” the session, what format and delivery method. And make sure its not just powerpoint slides (but if you are going to use them then remember the rule of 3)
Rehearse – almost too obvious but always good to do. But with actual people – colleagues, friends, family. It doesn’t need to be the full session but runs through what you want to cover. Build confidence with the tool.
Engage people often – with no visual clues you need to make sure everyone is engaged and ideally participating.
A great piece of advice from Phil Willcox ( @PhilWillcox
), for things he does behind the scenes, when running virtual classrooms, is:
I have my session plan printed – a second set of the slides on a separate computer (so I know where I am and what is next) – lights behind the webcam (to see my bootiful visage) – two glasses of water.
I prepare a spreadsheet of all the participants’ names and the key activities in the session. As I work through the session I put a tick next to the people that contribute at each point or section. Sometimes I want everyone to contribute so this makes sure I don’t forget/miss anyone. Other times I leave the floor open and so I want to keep track of who is or isn’t contributing. This might result in me bringing them in or a quick DM to see if they are ok and engaged.
Make the content enjoyable – people learn more when they enjoy the experience of learning. Some people will dismiss the idea of “fun” in learning but it has its place in learning and virtual classrooms. BUT make sure it helps what you and your audience want to achieve, isn’t gimmicky and if it takes too long to explain then it’s wasted.
Create breakout rooms – put people into small groups if group work/interaction is needed. On a 20 minute “webinar” this might not be needed, however for a 2-hour session this is a must – we are a social species.
So make sure you have easy to understand instructions, manage their expectations, tell them how to begin (i.e. with or without your supervision), give time deadlines and make sure you are contactable. Whilst this can be a good time for a comfort break you need to be available to guide and advise.
Improve each time – we all start from the beginning and each time you run a session get feedback on the content and technology from attendees. Reflect on what you did well and what you’d improve.
And for anyone attending virtual classroom training we recommend these tips, courtesy of Global Knowledge, one of our virtual classroom providers.
- Pick your location – make sure it’s somewhere you can concentrate and avoid distractions
- Check internet connection for bandwidth demands – use a wired internet connection
- Test the systems you’ll be using – in advance, not 5 minutes before
- Be unavailable – turn off notifications, emails, phone.
- Use headset with a microphone to connect to the room audio
Further reading
These were some of the blogs and resources that have stood out for us in the past. The internet is full of even more resources – read and then get going.
Webinars Pocketbook by Stella Collins and Andy Lancaster – https://www.pocketbook.co.uk/product/webinars-pocketbook/
The Rule of Three for Presentations – https://www.ethos3.com/2014/01/the-rule-of-three-for-presentations/
elearningindustry.com – https://elearningindustry.com/6-tips-design-interactive-virtual-classroom-training
LearningSolutionsmag.com https://learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/2219/five-best-practices-when-converting-classroom-content-for-the-virtual-classroom
Trainingzone – https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/deliver/training/learning-in-the-digital-age-the-flipped-classroom-method
