The InSync Training team has designed, delivered, produced, and managed live online training events for over 20 years. It’s hard to believe that organizations have had the virtual classroom as a learning environment option for over two decades.

Change underlies this now-commonplace technology. Virtual classrooms from the past look very little like the reality of today, which indicates a radically different future.

So what can we learn from the evolution of the virtual classroom?

The modern classroom brings with it many tricks.

Technology failures, webinars-that-could’ve-been-a-job-aid, and lecture-heavy sessions with few opportunities to practice new skills can plague blends.

But, in spite of all the possible horrors, blended training can still treat learners to meaningful professional development.

Recently, we explored the theory behind how facilitators can quantify and qualify learner engagement in the virtual classroom. A theoretical foundation provides a jumping off point for practical application.

Our team relies on a number of tried-and-true facilitation methods to connect with live online learners more deeply and more meaningfully. For virtual facilitators, effectively “reading their audience” ensures learning actually happens.

These three techniques allow you, the facilitator, to move beyond basic presentation skills and towards more effective instruction that encourages learners to synthesize ideas and apply what they’ve learned in the protective classroom environment.

Good modern learning facilitators possess virtual classroom literacy, are technically savvy, and practice good time management skills.

All three of these characteristics contribute to a solid foundational skillset.

But taking your competencies from good to great involves an advanced approach to learner engagement, platform management, and content delivery.

Happy Virtual Classroom Producer Day! Our annual celebration honors those working behind the scenes to ensure effective, efficient, and engaging live online learning events.

We’ve long sung the praises of producers – they offer technical support to learners, launch breakout rooms and other collaborative activities, keep training on track and on time, and act as back-up facilitators when necessary. And while technologies continue to change and requirements evolve, the role of a producer remains fundamentally the same.

What makes a virtual classroom facilitator good at what they do? Clients and learners ask us this question regularly. Heck, we ask ourselves this question regularly since it speaks to the fundamental value we deliver through our work! Because facilitators deeply impact the overall blend, our answer addresses technical expertise AND those fuzzy soft skills. 

In our experience as both learners and experts, good virtual classroom facilitators….

• Demonstrate virtual classroom literacy.
• Are digitally literate.
• Manage time well.

In practice, these skillsets focus on the learner first, while the technology offers a way to achieve their goals.

We know virtual classrooms include technology bells and whistles designed to promote learner engagement. But how do instructors manage so many moving parts? We highly recommend bringing in a second set of hands to help juggle everything. The best option? A technical or instructional producer. 

Whether you provide production support in your organization’s live online learning events, or you would simply like to create smoother virtual sessions, try applying a few simple approaches for seamless programs.

Our team of multitasking, multi-talented producers outlined their tried-and-true recommendations to help you reach modern learning MVP status.

Classrooms no longer require four walls and desks. Thanks to virtual classroom platforms like Zoom, AdobeConnect, WebEx, and more, training’s reach now crosses continental boundaries. Alongside the possibilities provided by flexible blended learning design, new challenges emerge.

Experts strive to create equivalent training experiences in the virtual classroom. We want live online learning to meet or exceed the expectations of our learners and stakeholders. Purposeful instructional design contributes to our meeting this goal, as does first-rate facilitation. But as organizations become more diverse, the learning function must do more to ensure all learners in all locations feel engaged in and by the professional development process.

Here at InSync Training, we have a mantra that guides our design and delivery practice: “Nothing stands alone.”

We no longer live in the days of siloed training – every resource, activity, and session should connect to a larger learning experience that aims to generate true skill building.

Sure, this sounds great in theory. But how do we actually keep learners engaged and invested after live online training ends?

Global training depends on digital platforms like eLearning, microlearning, and virtual classrooms. When dealing with multiple time zones and diverse learner groups, creating equivalent training experiences requires planning and professionals.

And while we acknowledge that facilitators act as the face of live learning events, producers power the sessions. They do much more than “open the room.” They act as learner advocates, a second voice delivering content, and an extra pair of hands juggling the many balls involved in effective modern learning.

Our production team includes the best in the business. So, what tips and tricks do they use to make sure every virtual learning session comes together into a seemingly seamless event?