how to avoid 10 virtual classroom pitfalls
DESCRIPTION
How can training managers cut costs while continuing to provide critical leadership development? One solution is to add virtual classroom training to your blended learning solution, however there are some pitfalls to virtual classroom training you'll need to navigate. This guidebook will help you avoid those pitfalls while making the jump into virtual classroom.TRANSCRIPT
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 1
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
PITFALLS
HOW TO AVOID
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 2
Virtual classroom is a
fantastic, travel-free option
for delivering training to a
globally-dispersed
audience.
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 3
Unfortunately, many organizations
jump into virtual
classroom without
proper planning.
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 4
Beware of 10 pitfalls when considering the transition to virtual.
! PITFALLS
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Not having a GOAL for your virtual classroom implementation
1 PITFALL
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REALITY: Virtual classroom may or may not be right for your needs.
Ask yourself
three
plunge.
critical questions
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
2 PITFALL
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(Let your learners in on the secret)
Virtual Classroom
≠ Webinar
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Virtual classroom engages
learners in active listening.
Learners acquire knowledge
through interactivity with the
platform, the facilitator, and
one another.
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Failing to provide an appropriate virtual classroom learning
environment
This is
not correct
3 PITFALL
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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 knowledge of web conferencing platforms
4 PITFALL
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A technical snafu can derail and undermine the credibility of an otherwise
well-designed virtual classroom course.
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After learning leaders select the
right platform, at least one
person on the team needs to
become the go-to expert who
understands the platform’s
capabilities and can
troubleshoot when needed.
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Not having a plan for selecting, training, and monitoring facilitators
5 PITFALL
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A good traditional classroom facilitator…
…a good virtual classroom facilitator.
is not always
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A good virtual classroom
facilitator engages the
learner with his/her voice
and uses additional
questioning techniques to
gauge understanding of
concepts.
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The right skill set is just the
beginning.
To keep facilitators sharp…
• Help them develop new skills.
• Observe them
in action.
• Provide ongoing
feedback.
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Not using a producer
6 PITFALL
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To help facilitators keep their
undivided attention on
learners’ needs, 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
7 PITFALL
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• Avoid
>2 “tell” slides in a row.
• Discourage
multitasking;
include opportunities
to use chat, annotation,
feedback, and
breakout rooms.
Interactivity is critical:
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Not providing course
materials
8 PITFALL
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Virtual learners get the
same 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
9 PITFALL
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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
1 PITFALL
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 take your training virtual?
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Sign up for a demo today!
Experience
DDI’s Virtual Classroom
http://insight.ddiworld.com/vcdemo