how to avoid 10 virtual classroom pitfalls

Post on 05-Dec-2014

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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.

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© 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

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 5

Not having a GOAL for your virtual classroom implementation

1 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 6

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

Ask yourself

three

plunge.

critical questions

before you

take the

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 7

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?

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 8

Not setting learner expectations

2 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 9

(Let your learners in on the secret)

Virtual Classroom

≠ Webinar

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 10

Virtual classroom engages

learners in active listening.

Learners acquire knowledge

through interactivity with the

platform, the facilitator, and

one another.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 11

Failing to provide an appropriate virtual classroom learning

environment

This is

not correct

3 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 12

“Just gather in

the conference room

and project the

virtual classroom

session,” -said no facilitator ever.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 13

To optimize participation and focus… Every learner should

have his/her own

computer and phone

line (and private space

to learn).

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 14

Lacking knowledge of web conferencing platforms

4 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 15

A technical snafu can derail and undermine the credibility of an otherwise

well-designed virtual classroom course.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 16

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.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 17

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

5 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 18

A good traditional classroom facilitator…

…a good virtual classroom facilitator.

is not always

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 19

A good virtual classroom

facilitator engages the

learner with his/her voice

and uses additional

questioning techniques to

gauge understanding of

concepts.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 20

The right skill set is just the

beginning.

To keep facilitators sharp…

• Help them develop new skills.

• Observe them

in action.

• Provide ongoing

feedback.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 21

Not using a producer

6 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 22

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.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 23

Lacking learner

engagement in the

session

7 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 24

• Avoid

>2 “tell” slides in a row.

• Discourage

multitasking;

include opportunities

to use chat, annotation,

feedback, and

breakout rooms.

Interactivity is critical:

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 25

Not providing course

materials

8 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 26

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!

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 27

Not piloting the course before launch

9 PITFALL

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 28

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.

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 29

Not practicing

1 PITFALL

0

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 30

Practice before you teach!

The key to any kind

of facilitation (and most

things in life):

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 31

Ready to take your training virtual?

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 32

Sign up for a demo today!

Experience

DDI’s Virtual Classroom

http://insight.ddiworld.com/vcdemo

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