<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live. ~ Mortimer Adler
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
The nature of business and how it operates in an increasingly global and mobile environment is changing not only how organizations do business but also how they train employees. With rising travel costs and more global and remote workforces, organizations are looking for increasingly cost-effective methods to deliver effective training solutions to larger and more remote employee groups. In a study conducted by General Physics Corporation in partnership with Training Industry Inc.1, it was revealed that ‘virtual instructor-led training (VILT) is one of the fastest growing techniques selected’ to meet the needs of organizations to train larger groups of employees in a more cost-effective manner. Make no mistake; the use of VILT is no longer a fad but a legitimate and growing method for delivering learning solutions. This is because ‘VILT delivers an appealing and efficient alternative to the time, travel and resources required by instructor-led training (ILT). There are many technology solutions available to organizations for the delivery of VILT sessions including but not limited to WebEx (Cisco), Live Meeting (Microsoft), GoToWebinar (Citrix), Connect (Adobe), Centra (Saba), and many others. Regardless of the technology used, it is imperative that training is well designed based on the desired learning objectives in order for the training to be effective and applied within the workplace.
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary makes the following distinction between training and communication:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Training
Knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study, modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Communication
The transmission or exchange of information
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
This is an important distinction. Notice that training involves acquiring skill or modifying behavior while communication is simply about transmitting or passing along information. This is an important as this book reviews tips and best practices for designing effective virtual training solutions. It targets design of synchronous learning solutions intended to improve performance and skills not communication/webinars where the same technology may be used as a means to disseminate information.
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
The information and tips provided in this book are based on my experience in the Training and Development (T&D) field. I have worked for almost 20 years in T&D in a variety of roles including facilitation, design and development, project management and leadership/management. Over the last eight years I have researched, designed and facilitated a variety of VILT programs. I have trained facilitators and instructional designers in multiple countries on best practices in VILT design and delivery.
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
Each chapter contains information, tips and best practices related to VILT solution and application questions and steps for you to ensure you are designing the most effective VILT solution possible. The final chapter contains a checklist that includes all of the application questions and steps in one list as well as a VILT design best practices checklist summarizing the design information presented.
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
It is my hope that you are able to take the practical tips and best practices and put them to immediate use in your design efforts. Happy reading and effective designing!
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.