{"id":8233,"date":"2022-09-06T10:20:45","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T07:20:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.efrontlearning.com\/blog\/?p=8233"},"modified":"2022-09-06T10:20:45","modified_gmt":"2022-09-06T07:20:45","slug":"successful-virtual-instructor-led-training-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.efrontlearning.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/successful-virtual-instructor-led-training-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"A guide into running successful virtual instructor-led sessions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u201cCan you all see my screen?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about this, I\u2019m still trying to figure out how to unmute myself.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cReconnecting\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

These are all common messages during online presentations and virtual instructor-led training sessions. And while, more or less, we\u2019re all used to them, they can still cause distractions and turn learners off. But it\u2019s not impossible to deliver a great instructor-led training session online. Its success lies in good preparation.<\/p>\n

With organizations turning to remote work, and making it the new norm, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has gained great popularity. In fact, there has been a 8.6% increase in web traffic<\/a> on Training Industry\u2019s website in 2020, with an 8,135% increase in topics related to remote learning, and virtual instructor-led training (VILT). More and more businesses are switching to online training<\/strong> rather than choosing traditional classroom training.<\/p>\n

But online instructor-led training comes with its challenges, as trainers must always be on the lookout for generating and retaining the learners\u2019 attention, curiosity, and interest. Let\u2019s see step-by-step how your L&D team and instructional designers can deliver fascinating VILT sessions for your learners.<\/p>\n

Classroom training vs. Online training<\/h2>\n

First, we need to examine the main differences between online and in-person training. The concept is actually similar, but online training offers some benefits worth discussing. Also, there are key factors you need to consider if you want to succeed when hosting virtual instructor-led training sessions.<\/p>\n

Human interaction<\/h3>\n

The first difference between VILT and in-person training is the perception that human interaction is lacking during online training. However, this perception is not completely right. VILT sessions actually lack physical<\/em> interaction, but there\u2019s still human interaction.<\/p>\n

In classrooms, physical interaction is present between teachers and learners, while in VILT, the learning process happens in a virtual environment. Human interaction is still present, as learning happens during lectures, virtual discussions, workshops, conferences, etc.<\/p>\n

Learning material\u00a0availability<\/h3>\n

In traditional classroom training, learners have to attend the physical location in order to have a discussion with the trainers, only during their available hours. On the contrary, during online courses, learners have 24\/7 access to the training content. This may vary from online sessions, assignments, discussion boards, podcasts, video sessions, etc.<\/p>\n

Access<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest differences between traditional training and virtual instructor-led training is accessibility. Classroom training demands physical presence in a physical location at a specific time. VILT can happen anywhere,\u00a0no matter the time zone\u00a0or location<\/strong>, so even the busiest people can attend the session from the comfort of their own home, from any place in the world. Thus, it\u2019s no longer necessary to travel long hours or spend money on transportation to attend a lecture or a conference.<\/p>\n

Even if the benefits of online training seem to outweigh the perks of classroom training, it\u2019s essential to understand that VILT must be carefully planned and conducted so that it\u2019s successful. All of these advantages it has to offer can disappear if learners are not engaged, the connection is not stable, o the instructor hasn\u2019t received proper training in advance.<\/p>\n

\"eFront<\/p>\n

Running an effective ILT session online<\/h2>\n

Are you looking for tips and tricks to boost your already-set\u00a0virtual instructor-led training sessions? Are you thinking of investing in online instructor-led training for your business? Is it the right time for you to take the leap to the virtual world for good and cut costs and enhance engagement levels? Below we have collected everything you need to know on how to run a successful ILT session online.<\/p>\n

Convert the content to match the virtual environment<\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t just throw a PowerPoint presentation into the VILT session and expect that it grabs learners\u2019 attention. Learners need a variety of formats, like worksheets, PDFs, videos, presentations, and quizzes, which will enhance the overall learning experience and keep them engaged. You can always convert traditional collaborative tasks (discussions, Q&As, debates) to virtual sessions in your online instructor-led training. Learners will have the chance to do some teamwork and bond with each other.<\/p>\n

Of course, you need to examine your target audience’s needs and preferences, the learning environment, and the type of content you need to deliver first. For instance, millennials will be amazed to see memes appearing in their VILT material, but boomers will never engage with this. They need a different approach to the format. PDFs, charts, and infographics might work better for this audience.<\/p>\n

Focus on delivery by using the right tools<\/h3>\n

Conducting seamless virtual instructor-led sessions is essential for both your trainers and learners. A hassle-free delivery of the content elevates the learning experience and makes training stick. Trainers don\u2019t lose focus from sharing the learning material the way they intend, and there are no interruptions to the flow of the course. Learners continue being fully engaged and devoted to what they are learning.<\/p>\n

As your challenge is to keep the liveliness of the traditional training which happens in the classroom, what will help you is the right LMS that can host VILT sessions with any type of content and integrated video conferencing platforms<\/a>. You also need your LMS to have progress metrics functionalities, user management options for instructors, and mobile compatibility. Make sure the conferencing platforms include screensharing options, whiteboarding, and chatboards, too.<\/p>\n

Trainers should be fully prepared for\u00a0virtual instructor-led training<\/h3>\n

Instructors have to make sure that their virtual instructor-led training sessions are as much effective as possible. As we mentioned, the right delivery tools are important<\/strong>, but how they treat the content and the overall training experience needs careful consideration. Here are some tips trainers can follow:<\/p>\n