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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.