10 Top virtual instructor led training best practices to follow in 2024
Today, virtual training has become essential for organizations to stay competitive. But do we truly understand the importance of virtual instructor led training (VILT) sessions? Are we familiar with the best practices to make virtual training effective? According to Sky Quest, the virtual training market is set to grow at a CAGR of 13.30% from 2024 to 2031. In this article, we’ll explore the virtual instructor led training best practices and explore the key strategies and tips that can make your virtual training sessions impactful and engaging.
What is Virtual Instructor Led Training?
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) is a modern training format where an instructor delivers training sessions in a virtual environment rather than in a traditional classroom setting. Unlike conventional methods, VILT eliminates geographical barriers and reduces costs associated with travel and venue rentals. This method leverages technology to provide real-time interaction and engagement between instructors and learners, mirroring the benefits of in-person sessions without the associated constraints.
By overcoming logistical challenges, VILT offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling employees to access training from anywhere in the world. This adaptability has revolutionized the corporate landscape, facilitating continuous learning and development tailored to individual and organizational needs.
For optimal results, adhering to virtual instructor led training best practices and integrating interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and group activities is essential. These strategies ensure that the training is engaging, effective, and aligned with corporate goals.
Why is VILT Important?
Virtual training holds significant importance in many domains. While the approach offers a personalized learning experience, it also ensures a high level of interaction. Individuals can work closely with one another when activities are conducted in breakout rooms. If you employ best practices for virtual training, then it can enhance knowledge retention and support skill development. When implemented effectively, VILT can increase the ROI through scalability and by reducing costs related to classroom training.
Customization
VILT helps to accommodate diverse elearning styles and preferences. Trainers can also deliver training in different languages using localization tools. The use of translation services can also enhance the ability to understand content, irrespective of the learner’s native language.
Accessibility
As the number of trainees increase, attending training at the same time can seem challenging. But, with virtual training, even the most remotely located professionals can attend the sessions, provided that they have access to a reliable internet connection.
Enhanced Collaboration
Collaboration among learners is another benefit of VILT programs. As learners work with one another, they can share ideas and learn from each other. This not only fosters teamwork but also helps build a network.
Personalized Learning
By enhancing the level of interactivity, virtual training offers a personalized learning experience. Instructors can present the content based on the learners’ interests and ensure maximum engagement.
Saves Time
Virtual instructor-led training can be a suitable option for those who are busy with their schedules. Once they register for the virtual training program, they don’t have to commute to a certain location. Trainers can also set the time for training sessions as per the individuals’ routine.
Virtual Yet Real-time Interaction
VILT facilitates real-time interaction between the trainer and the learners. For instance, if training in presentation skills is being delivered to sales professionals, then learners can improve their sales pitch along with the trainer. Instant suggestions will further help them refine their skills for better interactions with customers.
Eventually, virtual training involves the use of different tools that can make the sessions extremely interactive. But when you employ virtual instructor led training best practices, you can perceive success in the training.
You can also read our blog related to “What are the benefits of eLearning in training and development?”
What are the Different Types of Virtual Instructor Led Training?
Depending on the training objectives and preferences, virtual training can be delivered in various forms. Let’s check out the different formats of VILT.
Live Webinars
Live webinars refer to real time sessions delivered by trainers. As the instructors present the content, individuals can send across their questions anytime through the chat window. Using whiteboards during the webinar can also enable trainers to explain certain concepts.
Interactive Workshops
Compared to webinars, these sessions include activities that can boost engagement. These may include group discussions and exercises that are conducted in breakout rooms. Simulations are also useful for presenting complex topics.
Training Sessions for Small Groups
When trainers conduct such sessions, they focus on personalized interaction. Instructors also offer feedback as the session progresses. By including collaborative activities, trainers can also make the learning experience engaging.
Blended Learning Approach
Through this type of approach, trainers can deliver virtual training along with pre-recorded modules or online learning modules. Individuals can also be engaged during live sessions and asynchronous activities.
10 Best Practices for Virtual Instructor-Led Training
While delivering virtual training, it’s essential to follow some practices to present a great VILT experience. Here are some virtual instructor led training best practices that can enable you to conduct VILT sessions successfully.
#1 Embrace Suitable Technology
Selecting the right technology is always important for virtual training. Opt for reliable, user-friendly platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx that support interactive features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, live chats, and polls. You must also be able to integrate the technology with essential tools. Testing the technology and the platform is also important before commencing with virtual training programs. This will help to identify technical issues and resolve them promptly. Additionally, invest in good quality audio and video equipment to avoid technical disruptions.
#2 Overcome Distractions
Minimizing distractions is essential for maintaining engagement during virtual training sessions. While you are moving ahead with the sessions, learners might get distracted. Hence, to overcome this problem, the incorporation of various presentation methods can be helpful. These may include engaging videos, demonstrations, and exercises learners can work on. Incorporating gamification can also help to engage learners effectively. Online discussions will further enable individuals to be actively involved during the training program. However, you shouldn’t forget to schedule breaks so that learners can unwind and continue listening to you with renewed focus.
#3 Enhance Participation
Enhancing participation throughout the training program can help boost the learning experience. Activities like breakout room discussions, quizzes, and polls can enhance engagement as learners get the opportunity to interact with peers. By using tools like shared documents and whiteboards, you can promote knowledge sharing and teamwork. Presenting open-ended questions will also help individuals share their experiences. They can also develop their ideas by listening to the contributions of their peers.
#4 Keep the training program focused
A focused training session is also one of the virtual instructor led training best practices you must consider. Once you have identified the skills that individuals need to develop, clearly define learning objectives and structure sessions to cover specific topics or skills. Through adaptive learning technologies, you can also improve the training approach. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t include everything in one session. This can make the session lengthy and diminish the learners’ interests.
#5 Prioritize Value
Virtual instructor-led training has always been valuable to offer an interactive learning experience. But, before conducting the training program, you should be clear about the learning objectives. Ensure that the training content is valuable and relevant to the learners’ needs. Provide practical, real-world examples and applications of the material being taught. Emphasize how the training will benefit the learners in their roles and contribute to their professional growth.
#6 Manage Class Size
Virtual training sessions can always help you train plenty of individuals at the same time. But that doesn’t mean that you must accommodate learners beyond a certain limit. The class size shouldn’t be more than 25. This will help to create a virtual environment in which everybody feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. They can also clear up their doubts when they start interacting with you. Eventually, you should never compromise on the quality of training.
#7 Evaluate the learner’s understanding
Assessing the learner’s comprehension level is also something that you must follow among virtual instructor led training best practices. Use various evaluation methods, such as quizzes, polls, assignments, and group discussions, to gauge comprehension and provide feedback. You can also request that the learners summarize what has been taught during the sessions. This will give you a clear idea of the topics that may need additional explanation.
#8 Set certain norms
Establishing certain rules or norms can help ensure order and professionalism for training sessions. Communicate guidelines regarding participation, interaction, and behavior at the beginning of the training. Establish protocols for asking questions, using chat features, and participating in discussions. Before you commence with the training program, make sure that the learners know how to use various features. In addition to using breakout rooms, they must know how to share their questions and their screens.
#9 Introduce humor during sessions
Virtual training can become boring, especially when you’re continuously speaking about the topic. But if you try to introduce humor during the sessions, then learners will enjoy them. Apart from including interactive games, sharing relevant yet humorous anecdotes can also make the learners’ experience enjoyable. However, ensure that the humor is respectful and relevant to the content being covered.
#10 Think about outsourcing
Outsourcing certain aspects of VILT, such as custom content development or technical support, can enhance the quality and efficiency of the training program. When you search for an experienced instructor, ensure that they are knowledgeable about online training. This will not only help you assure quality training but also enhance overall engagement. The learning experience will also be enriched when the instructor is familiar with current trends in delivering training.
Conclusion
VILT will continue to become popular owing to its effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. Depending on the virtual environment, trainers can truly present an experience at par with one in a physical classroom. However, the success of VILT will lie in adopting the above practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Still not sure how you can commence with a virtual training journey? Get in touch with MITR Media to know how we can structure VILT programs with the target audience in mind. Our creative team will also be happy to help you with custom eLearning content development.
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