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What is Virtual Instructor Led Training? Benefits and Best Practices

by Sergey Pantileev
10 February, 2024
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Virtual instructor-led training and traditional in-person training share a commonality: the presence of an instructor delivering live sessions to a group of participants. However, the optimal session duration, engagement methods, and the necessary software and technology for a successful course vary significantly between the two.

In recent years, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has gained considerable traction, amalgamating the advantages of instructor-led training with the flexibility inherent in remote, online learning. Yet, for conventional training providers accustomed to face-to-face, classroom-centric approaches, transitioning to a virtual setting presents unique challenges.

This discussion delves into the essence of virtual instructor-led training best practices, its merits, strategies for ensuring the success of your virtual training, and the essential software required for its effective delivery.

What is Virtual Instructor Led Training?

What is virtual instructor led training? Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) involves an instructor leading a training session for either a group of learners or an individual within a virtual environment. It seamlessly transposes all the components of instructor-led training (ILT) into the realm of remote learning, catering to the needs of learners engaged in distant locations through real-time, remote guidance.

VILT exhibits the following defining characteristics:

  1. Synchronous Nature: Despite the geographical dispersion of participants, VILT ensures that learners engage in their training simultaneously with live instruction and immediate feedback from the instructor.
  2. Collaborative Environment: Learners actively collaborate with both their facilitator and peers on their chosen remote learning platform, leveraging various interactive features such as breakout rooms and chat functions.
  3. Real-time Interaction: VILT unfolds in real-time, meaning that participants partake in live sessions alongside their peers and instructor.

VILT can manifest in diverse formats, ranging from webinars and one-on-one sessions to small group interactions and lectures. Regardless of the format, it is imperative for facilitators to sustain learner engagement through a repertoire of techniques, including polls, breakout sessions, and question-and-answer sessions.

In line with effective training strategies, we advocate incorporating VILT as a component of a comprehensive blended learning initiative that integrates various learning modalities into a cohesive program. When employed as a reinforcement tool within a blended program, VILT effectively introduces topics, stimulates discussion, and reinforces crucial learning concepts.

How is VILT (Virtual Instructor Led Training) Used?

Numerous businesses and organizations leverage Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) to furnish educational resources to their employees, partners, and customers. This versatile approach proves beneficial in diverse scenarios, including new employee onboarding and on-demand training for existing staff. Additionally, VILT serves as an effective tool for customer education, offering flexibility through formats like webinars, one-on-one sessions, and video conferencing.

VILT emerges as a valuable strategy for companies aiming to disseminate information and resources for training and development to employees and customers dispersed across different locations. Moreover, it facilitates meaningful interaction between instructors and learners, ensuring guidance is readily available throughout the learning process.

Benefits of Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Flexibility and Accessibility

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, breaking down geographical barriers. It is one of benefits of instructor led training. Learners can engage in virtual sessions from any location, promoting convenience and accommodating diverse schedules. This accessibility enhances the reach and impact of training initiatives. Related article: Self-paced Learning vs Instructor Led: Which Is Better?

Cost-Efficiency

One of the key advantages of digital training transformation is its cost-efficiency. By eliminating the need for travel, accommodation, and physical training materials, organizations can significantly reduce training expenses. VILT enables effective training delivery while minimizing associated costs, making it an economical choice for businesses.

Improved Engagement and Interactivity

Virtual Instructor-Led Training fosters improved engagement and interactivity among participants. Through features like real-time discussions, interactive exercises, and collaborative tools, VILT creates an immersive learning experience. This heightened engagement contributes to better knowledge retention and a more dynamic training environment.

Personalized Learning

VILT empowers personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Instructors can adapt content, pace, and interaction based on participants' requirements, ensuring a more effective and personalized learning journey. This customization enhances the overall learning outcomes and addresses diverse learning styles within the virtual training environment. Related article: How to Personalize Learning with LMS. 

Tips for Effective Virtual Training

Establish an Engaging Virtual Environment

Create a captivating virtual space by utilizing robust and secure video conferencing software while ensuring a reliable internet connection. Eliminate or minimize distractions in your surroundings, such as pets, background posters, and photos (opt for a virtual backdrop or blurred background if needed), as well as minimize disruptive noises. Turn off your mobile phone and mute desktop notifications like emails and calendar reminders. Present yourself in a professional manner, centered and focused on the camera.

Refine Learning Design Practices

In contrast to traditional face-to-face courses delivered in extended time increments, virtual training requires a different approach to maintain attention and engagement. Capitalize on one of the primary advantages of delivery of training: the ability to deliver content in short, incremental modules. This format accommodates busy schedules, mitigates information overload, and enhances learning outcomes. Adapting face-to-face courses to VILT involves breaking down larger courses into cohesive, shorter modules, suitable for online delivery. A learning designer can play a pivotal role in this process, ensuring seamless module integration and the creation of engaging, collaborative VILT courses.

Encourage Collaboration

Facilitate active participation and connection among learners by hosting Q&A sessions, utilizing polls and breakout rooms, and establishing online forums and resource libraries. These strategies enhance engagement with the subject matter and contribute to improved knowledge retention.

Select Appropriate Technology

Beyond software considerations, ensure you have the right technology infrastructure, including a reliable internet connection, quality audio input and speakers, and an effective camera with adequate lighting. Additional technical tips for hosting a webinar can be explored to optimize the virtual learning experience.

Gather Comprehensive Feedback

Seek feedback from learners to not only enhance the current course but also to align future courses with their expectations. Conduct a pre-course survey to gauge their understanding of specific topics and identify their learning preferences. Post-course surveys offer valuable insights for continual improvement, helping to tailor future courses to the specific needs and expectations of your audience.

Software for Virtual Instructor Led Training

Video Conferencing Tools

Essential for delivering Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), video conferencing software plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless virtual connections. Zoom, a prominent tool in the market, stands out for its ability to enable virtual connectivity across various devices and locations. Ideal for webinars and online training program, Zoom offers a user-friendly interface that allows quick setup in minutes.

Moreover, Zoom boasts an array of features designed to enhance collaboration and engagement. Conduct real-time polls for simple yes/no responses or post surveys to gauge participant feedback live. Emulate virtual classroom breakout sessions within the online environment, enabling small groups to collaborate on specific topics before reconvening to share results.

Incorporate Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards are gaining popularity in virtual training session due to their ability to foster collaboration and active participation, addressing a significant challenge in VILT. Tools like Miro serve various purposes, from basic note-taking to annotating training content, sharing ideas, brainstorming, and collaborative design during group discussions or assignments.

Implement Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Enhance your virtual training by incorporating eLearning modules through a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS allows the creation of modules that participants can complete at their own pace, online, from any location. These modules encompass quizzes, on-demand videos, SCORM modules, forums, and online activities. With features to record scores, view results, and track completion rates, an LMS complements environments for training by extending it into a blended learning course. Related article: 15 Steps to Successful LMS Implementation. 

Integrate Training Management Systems (TMS)

For businesses managing a multitude of courses with diverse characteristics, a Training Management System (TMS) becomes indispensable. Particularly beneficial for handling large volumes of registrations, multi-session courses, public and private events—whether virtual, face-to-face, or a combination—a TMS simplifies business operations. By automating processes and eliminating the need for disparate manual systems, a TMS streamlines course management. A quality TMS, such as Arlo, seamlessly integrates with other software like an LMS or video conferencing training platform, ensuring a unified system for training delivery. 

Future Trends in VILT

As Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping the future landscape of virtual learning. Embracing these trends is essential for staying ahead in the dynamic realm of online education. Let's explore some anticipated developments that are set to redefine the future of VILT:

  • Enhanced Interactivity through Immersive Technologies

Expect to witness a surge in the integration of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in VILT. These technologies will elevate the level of engagement, providing learners with interactive and realistic training experiences.

  • AI-Powered Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to play a pivotal role in tailoring VILT experiences to individual learners. AI algorithms will analyze learner behavior, preferences, and performance data to deliver personalized content and recommendations, ensuring a more adaptive and effective learning journey.

  • Microlearning and Bite-Sized Content

The shift towards shorter, focused learning modules will continue to gain momentum. Microlearning and bite-sized content delivery methods will prevail, catering to the modern learner's preference for quick, digestible information that can be easily consumed and retained.

  • Virtual Collaboration Spaces

With the growing emphasis on collaboration, VILT platforms will evolve to incorporate dedicated virtual spaces for group activities, discussions, and project collaboration. These collaborative spaces will simulate the in-person learning experience, fostering teamwork and engagement.

  • Data-Driven Analytics for Continuous Improvement

Advanced analytics and reporting tools will become integral to VILT platforms, providing educators and organizations with detailed insights into learner performance, participation, and course effectiveness. This data-driven approach will enable continuous improvement and optimization of virtual training programs.

  • Flexible Learning Paths and Adaptive Assessments

Future VILT programs will offer flexible learning paths, allowing learners to choose routes that align with their individual goals and proficiency levels. Additionally, adaptive assessments will dynamically adjust based on the learner's progress, ensuring a tailored and challenging learning experience.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) emerges as a transformative force. Expanding beyond geographical constraints, VILT offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and personalized learning experiences. The outlined virtual instructor led training best practices, from creating interactive virtual environments to integrating cutting-edge technologies, serve as a guide for optimizing VILT effectiveness.

As we embrace the future of education, VILT proves to be more than a trend—it's a dynamic, learner-centric approach. The integration of immersive technologies, collaborative online learning elements, and data-driven insights signifies a new era in accessible and tailored knowledge acquisition. In essence, VILT is not just a shift in methodology but a commitment to innovation, empowering both learners and educators on the journey of continuous learning.

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Flexibility and ConvenienceOnline training provides sales reps with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and convenience. Whether it's fitting in modules between client meetings or diving into training during downtime, the flexibility of online platforms accommodates the unpredictable nature of a salesperson's schedule.2. Real-time UpdatesStaying informed about the latest industry trends, product updates, and sales techniques is paramount. Online training ensures that sales reps receive real-time updates, enabling them to navigate the dynamic landscape with up-to-the-minute knowledge and insights.3. Interactive LearningEngagement is key to effective learning. Online training platforms incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and role-playing scenarios, fostering a more engaging and immersive learning experience. This interactive approach enhances comprehension and boosts the application of skills in real-world sales situations.4. Accessibility Anytime, AnywhereSales reps are often on the move. Online training breaks down geographical barriers, allowing sales professionals to access training materials from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility ensures that learning is not confined to a specific location, empowering reps to learn on the go.5. Cost EfficiencyTraditional training methods can incur substantial costs related to travel, accommodation, and venue rentals. Online training eliminates these expenses, providing a cost-effective solution for companies, especially those with distributed or remote sales teams.6. Customized Learning PathsEvery sales team is unique, and their training needs may vary. Online platforms allow for the creation of customized learning paths, tailoring training programs to address specific product knowledge, industry nuances, and the distinct requirements of the sales team.7. Continuous Professional DevelopmentThe sales landscape is ever-changing, and continuous learning is key to remaining competitive. Online training facilitates ongoing professional development, offering a platform for continuous skill enhancement, knowledge reinforcement, and the adoption of emerging best practices.Examples of eLearning Implementation in Sales TrainingChoosing the Right PlatformSelecting the appropriate eLearning platform is a pivotal step in integrating technology into sales training. Options range from comprehensive Learning Management Systems (LMS) to specialized eLearning for sales training platforms. Evaluating factors such as user interface, customization capabilities, and compatibility with various devices ensures the chosen platform aligns seamlessly with the organization's sales training goals. Related article: How to Choose an LMS System: 6 Steps to Consider.Developing Targeted Objectives and MaterialsEffective eLearning in sales necessitates a meticulous approach to content development. Clearly defined objectives, tailored to the specific needs of the sales team, form the foundation. Content should cover product knowledge, sales methodologies, and customer engagement strategies. Utilizing multimedia elements, interactive modules, and real-world scenarios enhances engagement and reinforces key concepts.Engagement StrategiesSustaining learner engagement is crucial for successful eLearning implementation. Employing various strategies, such as gamification, interactive quizzes, and scenario-based simulations, creates an immersive learning experience. Additionally, incorporating social learning elements, such as discussion forums and peer collaboration, fosters a sense of community and encourages knowledge sharing among sales professionals.These examples illustrate the crucial steps in seamlessly integrating eLearning sales training. From selecting the right platform to developing targeted content and implementing engagement strategies, each element plays a vital role in ensuring a dynamic and effective eLearning experience for sales teams.10 Techniques for Effectively Implementing eLearning in Sales TrainingCustomized Learning PathsTailor eLearning modules to the specific needs of your sales team. Develop personalized learning paths that align with individual roles, experience levels, and product knowledge requirements. Related article: How to Train Employees Remotely: Best Practices and Solutions.Interactive Scenario SimulationsFoster practical application of skills through interactive scenario simulations. Simulate real-world sales situations to allow reps to make decisions, face challenges, and receive feedback in a risk-free environment.Microlearning for Sales ModulesBreak down complex concepts into bite-sized, digestible modules. Microlearning for sales ensures that sales reps can easily absorb information during short intervals, catering to their busy schedules and maximizing retention.Gamification ElementsIntegrate gamification elements to add a competitive and engaging dimension to eLearning. Leaderboards, badges, and rewards motivate sales reps, turning the learning process into an enjoyable and competitive experience.Social Learning PlatformsImplement social learning platforms to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among sales professionals. Discussion forums, peer-to-peer interactions, and collaborative projects foster a sense of community and continuous learning.Real-time Performance AnalyticsLeverage analytics to track the progress and performance of sales reps in real time. Analyzing data on completion rates, assessment scores, and participation helps identify areas for improvement and ensures ongoing optimization of the eLearning program.Mobile-Friendly AccessibilityRecognize the on-the-go nature of sales professionals by ensuring eLearning platforms are mobile-friendly. This enables reps to access eLearning sales training materials anytime, anywhere, making learning a seamless part of their daily routines.Personalized Feedback MechanismsProvide personalized feedback to sales reps based on their performance in assessments and simulations. Constructive feedback not only reinforces learning but also helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for improvement.Continuous Content UpdatesKeep eLearning content dynamic by regularly updating it to reflect changes in products, market trends, and sales strategies. This ensures that sales reps are always equipped with the latest and most relevant information.Incorporate Multimedia ElementsEnhance engagement by incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, podcasts, and interactive infographics. A diverse range of media keeps the learning experience varied and caters to different learning styles within the sales team.ConclusionOne might assume that employee training at a company specializing in training software must have been flawless from the beginning. However, the reality is that launching effective corporate training is an ongoing and iterative process. In the case of sales representative training at DrivEd, a blended approach was embraced, combining both offline training and eLearning, acknowledging the value each brings.Simultaneously, eLearning holds a pivotal role in this strategy. This narrative revolves around the efforts to mitigate the risk of errors and their consequential impact on customer loss and, consequently, revenue reduction. Seizing the opportunity to provide salespeople with a platform for practice before tackling substantial assignments is now more accessible through the implementation of eLearning techniques. Don't overlook the chance to enhance your sales team's skills, as this approach significantly facilitates the preparation process.

by Alex Shapran

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