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“Change is the end result of all true learning.” ― Leo Buscaglia
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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., 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. However, for VILT to be effective requires the blending of appropriate technology (WebEx, Live Meeting, GoToWebinar, Connect, Centra, etc.), effective course design and well-trained facilitators experienced in facilitating in a virtual classroom environment. Effective facilitation of virtual training sessions is critical to the success of the training resulting in improved skills and performance. In the study conducted by General Physics Corporation mentioned above it was almost unanimously determined that facilitation skills and topic-matter expertise are two of the most critical factors when selecting an instructor for VILT with ease using technology, VILT-specific skills and understanding the audience needs and classroom management close behind.
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Training Industry.com defines Virtual Instructor-Led Training as “training that is delivered in a virtual or simulated environment, or when instructor and learner are in separate locations. Virtual instruction environments are designed to simulate the traditional classroom or learning experience. VILT can be conducted synchronously or asynchronously. The term is also referred to as Virtual Classroom Training (VCT).” This book targets training conducted synchronously, or live virtual classroom training.
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Online facilitation is the act of managing the learners and the learning through an online platform or technology. Because of the unique challenges that are inherent in facilitating learning virtually, it is recommended that a team facilitate online training sessions. This helps minimize confusion and frustration for both the facilitator and the learner. Best practices dictate that whenever possible at least two facilitators work together to deliver virtual learning. Each would serve one of the following roles:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Facilitate or lead the session: present content and lead activities and discussion
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Address technical aspects of the training: assist with learner technical issues, manage polls and monitor communication channels such as chat and question and answer panels
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This best practice also helps mitigate the risk of technical problems that can and will occur in a virtual classroom. If one facilitator runs into difficulty and loses connection, the co-facilitator can step in and continue delivering the training.
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Facilitators can be in different locations but should work together prior to training delivery to ensure understanding of roles, back-up plans should issues arise, ways to communicate with each other throughout the session, etc. Practice makes perfect, so facilitators should work together to ensure seamless delivery to learners.
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