how to avoid...how to avoid 10 virtual classroom pitfalls author ddi subject avoid the 10 common...

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HOW TO AVOID

!BEWARE VIRTUAL

CLASSROOM PITFALLS

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., Revised 2020. All rights reserved.2

Virtual classroom is an engaging and cost-

effective, travel-free option for delivering training to a

widely-dispersedaudience.

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We want to set you up for success!

What are the top 10 pitfalls to avoid when transitioning to

virtual classroom?

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Not having a GOALfor your virtual classroom implementation

1PITFALL

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REALITY: Virtual classroom may or may not be right for your needs.

Ask yourself three

plunge.

criticalquestions before you

take the

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1. Is it clear as to why you are using virtual classroom?

2. Are you looking to replace or amplify traditional classroom training?

3. What results are expected?

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Not setting learner expectations

2PITFALL

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(Let your learners in on the secret)

Virtual Classroom

≠Webinar

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Virtual classroom engageslearners in active listening.

Learners acquire knowledge through interactivity with the platform, facilitator, and with

one another.

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Failing to providean appropriate virtual classroom learning

environment

This isnot correct

3PITFALL

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“Just gather in the conference room

and project the virtual classroom

session,” -said no facilitator ever.

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To optimize participation and focus…Every learner should have his/her own computer and phone line (and private space to learn).

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Lacking knowledgeof web conferencing platforms

4PITFALL

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• A technical snafu can derail and undermine the credibility of an otherwise well-designed virtual classroom course.

• After learning leaders select the right platform, at least one person on the team needs to become thego-to expert who understands the platform’s capabilities & can troubleshoot when needed.

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Not having a plan for selecting, training, and monitoring facilitators

5PITFALL

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A good traditionalclassroom facilitator…

…a good virtualclassroom facilitator.

is notalways

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When creating a success profile for virtual classroom facilitators, make sure you

build in affinities for communicating virtually

and working with technology.

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The right skill set is step one.

Keep facilitators sharp and help them develop new skills, observe them in action and provide ongoing feedback.

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Not using a producer

6PITFALL

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To help facilitators keep their undivided attention on

learners’ needs, it’s best to use a producer who can

operate the platform, address technical issues, and keep

things running smoothly.

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Lacking learner engagement in the session

7PITFALL

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• Avoid>2 “tell” slides in a row

• Discourage multitasking; include opportunities to use chat, annotation, feedback, and breakout rooms.

Interactivityis critical:

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Not providing course

materials

8PITFALL

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Virtual learners get thesame benefits from reading

accompanying content, jotting down notes, and completing

exercises as learners in a traditional setting.

Don’t skip the course journals!

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Not piloting the course before launch

9PITFALL

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You only have one chance to make a good first impression!

Get a group together to pilot aspects of virtual classroom to find out

what works and what won’t.

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Not practicing

1PITFALL

0

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Practice before you teach!

The key to any kind of facilitation (and most things in life):

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

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Ready to takeyour training virtual?

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