Virtual Trainer Best PracticesPresented by Sandy Masters

Introduction – Who am I? Why am I here? With your help – what I hope to achieve.

Beginning with the end

The elements of fun are the same for everyone . . . The underlying concept is engagement. In other words, if you are really into it, that’s fun.

Roger C. Shank

Lessons in learning,

e-Learning, and Training

Taking the stairs video (2 min.)

Workshop Design:Blended learning approachProcess vs. content expertFacilitation – extract “wisdom of the

group”

Warm-up Exercise - Thiagi

Best Practice: Improve the use of visuals in your virtual classroom.

Survey – Interesting DataWhat can the instructor do to enhance your learning during the workshop? Share tips & experiences Have time to practice Follow structure and keep chunks smaller Breakout sessions, surveys Don't lecture, provide ample opportunity for interaction Active participation thru whiteboards, polling questions, and

interaction. GRIPI's are always important. Understand we are all on different levels of understanding when it

comes to virtual learning and technology. We will have a mix of trainers and instructional designers in the room.

Keep me engaged Show me tips and tricks to make facilitating virtually easier. Anything

would be helpful actually. Make sure there are warm cookies and milk!

Survey (cont.)When learning about the tools and techniques used in the virtual classroom, I have these concerns: Technology (learning, using, break-downs)Time to learn, support for my learning, and delay

between this workshop and being able to use virtual classroom

Transferring F2F teaching skills to virtual classroom

Students not having basic computer skills; multi-tasking

Pre-Work ReviewView 60 minute recorded webinarIdentify specific tools and techniques

that are used to engage the audienceBring your list with you to our first

session for discussion. Did anyone take notes on the

10 common errors and 10 tactics?Break into groups of five

Course Objectives

Design effective virtual classroom exercises using web conference interactivity tools

Engage learner attention and participation in online learning

Repurpose traditional classroom exercises for collaborative online learning

Describe best practices for online facilitation

Let’s Play a GAME

How is Virtual Training different from in person ILT?How is it the same?Video from LearnTrends Virtual Conf.

44:18 – 47:29TBD w/GeorgeSiemens

When to go Virtual?Follow ADDIE modelLook at the Educational ObjectivesGeographically dispersedContent unstableOccasional course over timeNeed for real time expertCollaboration enhances learningExercise – Virtual Classroom readiness

checklist

Pre-event planning & designExercise: Leader GuideCourse TitleCourse DescriptionObjectiveTarget AudienceWe will work on creating the

collaborative exercise later

Invitations/reminders

Creating collaborative exercisesThe trainer must be ready to facilitateThe participant must understand how to

contributeThe exercises must be well planned and have

achievable outcomes

Participants guides Your welcome letter is an example of a

participant guideHelps participants understand

directions and preparation for the virtual classroom

Avoid sending PowerPoints that duplicate your presentation

PracticeActual virtual class time = Plan on

spending the same amount of time on your dry run.

Know the technology toolsPolling / quizzesChat / Q&A (e.g. use: solicits learner input/benefit: actively engages learners in

discussion)

Desktop sharing / AnnotationWhiteboardAudioDesktop sharing / Video

Exercise: Identify uses and benefits of each

Adapting the visual experience

PowerPoint / Sources for Images

http://jakes.editme.com/onehourpptE-zine:http://www.thinkoutsidetheslide.com/

Building interactivity into virtual training

Exercise –

With your team design an interactivity using oneof the tools discussed

Make sure the interactivity supports the learning objective

Maximizing learner engagement Video – Jennifer Hoffman Example of engagement exercise Notice the role of the producer/assistant in the

recording

Using a producer / teaching partner

Factors:Logistical: Availability & BudgetTechnical: Does VT platform support

assistant role?Instructional: Do the design and

desired outcomes require an assistant?Personal: I don’t use one in ILT, why do

I need one now?

Additional resources for further study

Certification programsASTDInSync TrainingNetSpeed LearningFree Webinars LinkBooks/E-zines

Closing, follow-upThis in not the end!Sign up for iLinc account and playDownload quick guidesWatch iLinc training videosSet date/time for virtual presentationPlease, please, please call me with

questions and concerns – I will be happy to help you get an “A”!

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season!