Virtual Training

5The Five Elements of a Legendary Virtual Learning Experience

I acknowledge that human interaction, collaboration, and social learning reach their apex in a dynamic, physical classroom. It's easiest for learners to build an emotional connection—with instructors, with each other, and to the environment—when everyone is physically in the same space. Therefore, to improve the virtual learning experience, our mission and driving focus is creating as close a facsimile to in-classroom training as possible.

First, consider the hallmarks of traditional, old-school virtual training:

• The primary visual focus is on PowerPoint slides and screen shares, heavy on bullet points.
• The teaching modality is voice-over slides. Typically, the trainer reads the slides to the participants.
• The trainer rarely, if ever, shows their face on-screen.
• The participants rarely see each other and avoid being seen as much as possible.
• There is minimal interaction between the learners and the trainer, and amongst the learners.
• Learners rarely interrupt when they have questions or disagreements.
• Because the trainer cannot see the participants, he or she is less likely to stop and ask questions based on a learner's nonverbal expressions—questions that could pull concerns to the surface.
• Audio and video quality (if the trainers dare show their face) is poor.
• There is little on-screen movement or variety to keep learners engaged and visually involved.

Now, consider the elements of a dynamic physical classroom ...