The Complete Guide to Engaging Virtual Instructor-Led Training

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes to our lives. It has changed the way we interact with each other, even in the workplace. Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has become increasingly popular in the training industry as a practical, cost-effective substitute for conventional training and education. Educators and trainers can now provide live, interactive, and engaging learning opportunities to students worldwide thanks to the development of online training platforms. This article can serve as your guide in designing engaging virtual instructor-led training.

How Does Virtual Instructor-Led Training Work?

Virtual Instructor-Led Training delivers live training sessions remotely. The trainer can communicate with learners in real time via video, audio, and chat, while learners can join via computer or mobile device. Web conferencing applications such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are the most commonly used in virtual training. Trainers can also use Learning management systems (LMS) and virtual classrooms for VILT.

Ways to Make VILT Fun and Effective

Trainers and teachers must make interactive online courses and live digital training sessions for VILT to work well. This involves multimedia like movies, graphics, animations, and internet tools for group discussions, breakout sessions, and surveys. Trainers and teachers can also use case studies, scenarios, and simulations to show how the topic is worthwhile. 

Additional tips to keep VILTs engaging include:

• Use games: Include games like challenges, leaderboards, and quizzes to make learning more interactive and interesting. 
• Create a welcoming atmosphere: To foster engagement, promote participation, acknowledge contributions, and offer helpful criticism, create a safe and supportive environment. 
• Create a more engaging and effective learning environment by personalizing the training to meet the needs of each learner by allowing them to choose their own learning path or the format of their assessments.

Virtual Instructor-Led Training Advantages

Virtual learning benefits students and instructors. VILT allows learners to train anytime, anywhere. It also lets students communicate with educators and peers in a more friendly and relaxed setting. VILT helps trainers reach more people while cutting travel and logistical costs. It also improves learner satisfaction, knowledge retention, and the application of learning outcomes. With VILT, trainers can deliver live and interactive training sessions to participants in different parts of the world. This technology also allows for easy recording and sharing of training sessions for future reference.

How Can You Make a Good VILT Program?

A well-planned VILT program is essential. Best practices include:

• Setting clear learning objectives.
• Creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
• Offering student feedback and evaluation.
• Constructing accessible and inclusive courses.

Trainers and educators must also be adept at online training and using technology to promote learning. In most cases, additional online resources can be provided to ensure the learners get the most out of the training. Trainers can utilize platforms such as Google Sites, Google Classrooms, and similar applications to curate related online resources for various trainings. 

How to Choose a Platform for High-Quality VILT Programs

Selecting the right platform for VILT programs is crucial for optimal learning. Trainers and educators should choose a platform that lets them share multimedia content, hold breakout sessions, and lead group discussions. The platform should be user-friendly, accessible, and trustworthy. Security, privacy, technical support, and pricing are also important. 

If trainers use relatively new platforms, include a quick run-through of the tools and icons the learners can access. For instance, remind the learners to use the Raise a Hand icon or keep their microphones off and videos on by clicking their respective icons. Practices like this allow learners and even trainers to be more comfortable with the platforms they use. 

Practical Tips for Engaging Virtual Instructor-Led Training

1. Use multimedia elements: Incorporate videos, images, and animations to break up the content and keep learners engaged. This can also help to illustrate complex ideas and concepts in a more visually appealing and relatable way.
2. Encourage participation: Create opportunities for learners to participate in the session through group discussions, breakout sessions, and polls. This can create a more interactive and collaborative learning environment, improving engagement and knowledge retention.
3. Provide regular feedback: Offer regular feedback to learners on their progress and performance throughout the session. This can motivate learners and give them a sense of achievement, further improving engagement and participation.

Virtual instructor-led training works well for remote learners. Trainers and teachers can help people remember, use, and be happy with the information they learn by making VILTs exciting and interactive. It’s crucial to pick a platform that lets trainers and teachers offer high-quality VILT programs while keeping them accessible, safe, and affordable. VILT can deliver training and education in the digital era with the correct tools and tactics. Use this simple guide to design your next engaging and fun virtual instructor-led training now.