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.

There must be an instructional solution between a one-hour webinar and a six-week certificate…

The virtual classroom allows us to create learning experiences that weren’t available 20 years ago. We can space out lessons over days, weeks, and even months so that our learners can reflect on everything they’ve learned and practice those skills before returning to the virtual classroom to learn more. This is an instructionally sound approach, supported by research, that allows individuals to apply what they’ve learned and see a path forward towards mastery.

For example, InSync’s primary training audience consists of professional facilitators, instructional designers, and virtual classroom producers. Most of these individuals are experienced in supporting traditional classroom environments and have a need to add mastery of the virtual classroom to their existing skill sets. For this group of professionals, multiple-week blended learning experiences with rigorously assessed final projects makes sense. 

This intensive model works for most types of training when the intent is creating a path to mastery.

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?

Here we are in 2019. In our experience, every training professional at every organization understands the need for global training solutions. And because no training content should stand alone, these modern learning rollouts should focus on blended experiences.

In our work with individual practitioners and huge corporations, we recognize that standalone virtual or face-to-face training events no longer meet the needs of our learners or support the way businesses function today.

Success starts with acknowledging the need for comprehensive, perpetual, personalized digital blends. But without stakeholder buy-in and strategic implementation, a worldview mindset won’t impact the bottom line or learner skill building.

Did you know? InSync has operated an entirely virtual team since 2000. Over the last 20 years, technology platforms like Skype, Dropbox, WebEx, and Outlook have enabled us to communicate, collaborate, and constructively deliver our value proposition to our clients and learners.

In many ways, our organization implemented this employment model before it became commonplace. Today though, more companies include remote teams or allow for telework. Heck, even some federal government jobs here in the US allow team members to work virtually!

The workplace is a-changin’ folks. But, the need for clear roles and responsibilities has not changed.

In modern blended learning, what learners think about information presented during the training experience matters. In fact, our research shows that this learner reaction perfectly defines the concept of intellectual engagement.

Intellectual engagement relies on intent. Did we design this content in a way that encourages learners perceive it as relevant, timely, and efficient? Did we deliver the information thoughtfully so that learners understand what the business expects of them?

Labor Day weekend in the United States has come and gone. While the sun still shines in many places, most people have put summer behind them and gotten back to the grind of “real life.”

With overflowing inboxes, looming project deadlines, and the holiday season in the near future, how do you fall back into a professional development routine?