How Virtual Instructor Led Training Enhances Learning and Performance?
The digital age has ushered in a surge of remote work and geographically dispersed teams. This trend has led to a significant shift towards Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) programs as a key tool for employee skill development. Besides, the adoption of virtual training is increasing because technologies are enabling real-time collaboration and seamless delivery of content. VILT programs are also becoming important because of their potential and the ability to offer accessibility and flexibility. In this article, you will know more about Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) and the practices that are followed for VILT programs.
Understanding Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT)
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) is a format where trainers or instructors deliver sessions using online platforms. Learners can attend the sessions remotely and engage with other individuals and the trainer in real-time just like in a physical classroom. In comparison to the traditional approach to training, VILT sessions are quite interactive due to multimedia content and interactive exercises. Owing to flexibility and accessibility, VILT is now an effective solution for organizations that wish to train dispersed teams. Now, let’s check out the components of VILT programs.
Core Components of Effective Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) programs comprise numerous components that are designed for an interactive learning experience.
Learning Objectives: Well defined goals clearly define what employees can expect once the training program commences and what knowledge and skills employees will gain upon completion..
Content: Relevant content in the form of presentations, videos, and interactive activities can address the diverse needs of employees and learning objectives.
Technology: This component includes tools or eLearning platforms for training purposes that can help deliver sessions effectively and facilitate interactions. Trainers may also use webinar platforms, video conferencing software, and Learning Management Systems.
Trainer: Experienced and knowledgeable instructors are hired to deliver training content through various engagement techniques.
Assessment and Feedback: Many ways are employed during the training program to evaluate learners’ comprehension abilities. Feedback is also given to make employees aware of their performance.
Support Resources: Many organizations empower employees with resources and tools that can support their learning and address technical challenges.
Schedule: Trainers define a certain schedule for live virtual classrooms, with duration and prerequisites for being a part of the program. Before starting with the program, registration processes, technical requirements, and access instructions are also taken into account.
In addition to these components, companies define processes for assessing the effectiveness of the VILT program and improving it depending on feedback.
Benefits of Virtual Instructor Led Training for Employee Development
Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) offers many benefits to employees and organizations alike.
Accessibility and Flexibility: As employees register for the training program, they can attend sessions from any location, provided that there’s a stable and strong internet connection in the background. The training is also accessible to everyone because VILT programs can deliver training to geographically dispersed employees.
Cost-Effectiveness: While companies consider virtual instructor led training, it eliminates expenses associated with travel and accommodation. VILT programs are also scalable because organizations can train a large number of employees without leveraging additional resources.
Time Efficiency: VILT sessions can be organized at times that are convenient for the trainer and employees. This doesn’t disrupt the work schedules of employees and the trainer.
Interactivity and Engagement: As the training program progresses, Q&A sessions, polls, and chats can enable smooth interaction between employees and trainers. Learners can also expect collaborative learning through group activities and breakout rooms.
Customization and Personalization: To ensure that the training is impactful, VILT programs can be customized to address the needs of learners. During the sessions, trainers can also offer personalized feedback and support to employees.
Improved Knowledge Retention: Owing to the interactive nature of VILT sessions, learners can acquire and retain knowledge in a better manner.
Boosting Engagement and Retention
Enhanced engagement and retention in VILT programs can be accomplished through many strategies.
Interactive content design: Integrating interactive activities like case studies, group discussions, or simulations can encourage learners to get involved during the sessions.
Employee-centric approach: When content and activities are developed as per the interests of employees, it can enhance engagement to a greater extent.
Technology Integration: A user-friendly training platform can facilitate smooth interactions and enable collaboration among diverse employees.
Social Learning Opportunities: Breakout sessions and group activities can introduce collaboration among employees. As individuals share ideas, they can learn from each other during the training program.
Besides these strategies, learners should be encouraged to engage in discussions, share experiences, and ask many questions.
Scaling Training for Large Organizations
Scaling VILT programs requires proper planning and the implementation of certain delivery methods. Here’s how you can scale up virtual training programs.
Define Goals Clearly: While establishing clear goals for the training program, ensure that they are aligned with training needs.
Identify the audience and training needs: Identify training needs by forming groups of employees based on their job roles and skill levels. You should also consider tailoring the content and delivery approach to the unique requirements of every segment.
Use appropriate training platforms: Consider using training platforms that offer collaboration tools and interactive features. While you invest in such platforms, ensure that they support scalability and are capable of accommodating a large group of individuals.
Conduct Train-the-Trainer programs: Training the instructors can help impart knowledge about essential tools and resources required to carry out live virtual classrooms.
Beyond these ways, incorporate chat support that can offer assistance when employees encounter issues and have several questions.
Integrating Virtual Instructor Led Training into Your Learning Strategy
Certain steps have to be followed for effective integration of virtual instructor-led training into the learning strategy.
Align with the company’s goals: Make sure that the objectives of the training program are aligned with the priorities and strategic goals of the company. You also have to identify certain skills that employees lack and the training program can be helpful.
Evaluate Learning Needs: As you conduct a needs assessment, consider developing the training material based on the learning needs of different employees.
Use technology: Before you start with virtual sessions, choose a suitable virtual training platform that can help you deliver sessions with ease. To make the program engaging, integrate virtual sessions with other resources like videos and simulations.
Subsequently, you should integrate the VILT program with existing training programs. This will help deliver a comprehensive learning experience, which might not be possible solely through virtual sessions. You should also offer various opportunities for collaboration to enhance knowledge sharing and engagement.
Assessing Your Organizational Needs
Evaluating the company’s needs for a VILT program involves a systematic approach. Here’s what you have to follow for assessing the needs.
Comprehend company’s objectives: A review of the company’s mission and vision can help understand priorities and then identify objectives related to employee development.
Conduct needs analysis: Information from business leaders and department heads can help identify the areas under which training needs to be conducted.
Analyze performance gaps: Evaluation of current performance can help identify knowledge or performance gaps, and check where training is required.
Assess technological infrastructure: By evaluating the company’s infrastructure, you can determine whether it’s feasible to host VILT programs.
Eventually, it’s important to analyze training history and evaluate effectiveness in meeting the objectives. Resource limitations and budgetary constraints also have to be considered while designing VILT programs. You also have to engage business leaders for their inputs on training needs before implementing anything ahead.
Designing a VILT Program
While designing a VILT program, the team has to plan carefully, embrace technology, and develop engaging content. Here are the steps that can help you design the VILT program.
Identify Learning Objectives: Find out what the learners should know before and after the training program. Ensure that the objectives that you have set are measurable and achievable.
Comprehend Needs: Carrying out a needs analysis can help understand skill levels, knowledge gaps and what individuals wish to learn. While conducting the analysis, consider different factors like cultural background, and job roles.
Develop Suitable Content: When you commence developing content for the training program, make sure that it aligns with learning objectives and is according to the needs of individuals.
Choose Appropriate Tools: Determine ideal technology tools that can lead to interaction and engagement throughout the program. These can include polling software, interactive whiteboards, and video conferencing platforms.
Design Various Activities: Incorporating diverse activities like group discussions, quizzes, and breakout sessions, can not only help maintain the employee’s engagement level but also reinforce learning.
Develop Training Materials: Create videos, infographics, slides and other elements that can help learners understand more about the topic. Consider factors like cultural sensitivity, language and disabilities, to ensure accessibility for all types of learners.
Plan Guidelines for Trainers: To ensure effectiveness in the training approach, provide detailed guidelines to trainers. You can also include instructions on how to lead learners for discussions, and handle various questions presented by them.
Create Assessments: As you develop assessments to gauge understanding of learners, make sure that they are aligned with learning objectives and they offer meaningful feedback.
Soon after these steps, you will have to test the VILT program with a few individuals. This test will help to find out issues and get feedback regarding the overall experience. The feedback can then be incorporated to make revisions before the launch of the program.
Measuring The Effectiveness Of Virtual Instructor Led Training
Professionals are always involved in the evaluation of many factors while measuring the effectiveness of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) programs. Here’s an approach you can follow.
Learning Outcomes Assessment: Always measure skill levels before and after the training program. Gathering feedback from employees can also help to comprehend its effectiveness.
Performance Metrics: Compare the overall performance before and after the VILT program. This will give an idea of whether the employees have acquired knowledge and new skills completely.
Engagement and Participation: Besides keeping track of attendance, observe the involvement in activities, discussions, and collaborative exercises. This will help you assess the level of engagement and participation.
ROI analysis: By assessing the ROI, you can make sure whether it was worth investing in the VILT program.
Towards the end, you should interact with learners to know the trainer’s expertise and skills.
You can also read our blog related to “Why Is eLearning Content Development Important?”
Best Practices for Virtual Instructor Led Training
Many practices are followed by organizations for virtual instructor-led training (VILT). These help to support remote learning while combining the instructor-led aspect with the structure of traditional classroom learning.
Defining Learning Objectives: Before commencing the training program, the learning objectives are clearly defined. This will help instructors and learners comprehend the learning outcomes.
Leveraging the Right Technology: While choosing the right technology, it’s important to choose the most suitable web conferencing platform. However, trainers ensure that the online sessions are secure by considering session access controls and data privacy.
Engaging Content Design: During virtual sessions, trainers incorporate quizzes and keep learners engaged through interactive discussions. The use of multimedia elements, like animations, infographics, and videos, can also enhance learning.
Delivering Targeted Modules: Ensuring that the training modules are tailored as per skill levels, job roles, and learning objectives can enable trainers to create an engaging learning environment.
Incorporating Inclusion Techniques: When trainers are delivering the sessions, the content has to be accessible to everyone, including differently abled individuals. If diverse learners are present for the sessions, then it’s crucial to use jargon-free language and consider a language that can be easily understood.
Evaluating Engagement: Through platform analytics, trainers check how learners are engaging with the content. The analysis also helps to adjust the approach if it’s necessary.
Incorporating Feedback: By incorporating feedback, the training program is refined and improved continuously. Assessments across different modules are also used to measure learning outcomes.
Preparing Instructors for Virtual Delivery
It’s always important to prepare instructors for the success of online training. Here are some steps that can help prepare trainers for online sessions.
Familiarity with Tools: Make sure trainers are able to use virtual platforms with digital tools. They should also be able to share the screen, use chat functions, and use breakout rooms. Basic troubleshooting training also has to be given to help them deal with technical issues.
Instruction Design Adaptation: Offer guidance to trainers on how to adapt training content to the delivery approach. Additionally, train them on how they can make learning engaging through interactive techniques.
Conduct Mock Sessions: Practice sessions can make trainers comfortable while delivering sessions in a virtual environment. At the end of practice sessions, feedback should also be given so that trainers can improve in the future.
Pedagogical Training: Ensure trainers comprehend how they can set learning objectives for the virtual format. Besides, trainers should also know how to conduct assessments within the virtual environment.
Using Accessibility Tools: Impart training on how trainers can make sessions accessible to all types of learners. Make sure that trainers don’t face any challenges when they are explaining concepts to differently abled learners.
Eventually, ongoing support has to be provided for new tools and techniques. Trainers should also be provided with a help desk for instant instructional or technical support.
Enhancing Participant Engagement and Interaction
Enhancing engagement and interaction during virtual sessions can improve academic performance and intrinsically motivate employees to explore more about the subject beyond the sessions. Here’s how you can enhance engagement and interaction during the session.
Gamification: To make the learning experience engaging, introduce game-like elements, such as badges or points. This can encourage learners to be actively involved during the sessions and drive them to compete during activities.
Embrace Interactive Teaching Methods: Harnessing interactive teaching approaches, like simulation and small group discussions, can not only enhance critical thinking but also ignite curiosity in employees.
Use Technology: Leverage technology to revolutionize the learning experience. Integration of interactive whiteboards and multimedia presentations will also help capture employees’ attention and make complex concepts easy to understand. To enhance comprehension among employees, you can also use some elements observed in custom eLearning solutions.
Invite Guest Speakers: When you invite experts or guest speakers, they can refresh the session and introduce new perspectives.
Breakout Rooms: While conducting group activities, move ahead with breakout room sessions. Ensure that only 4 to 5 employees are interacting during the short session. This will help enhance collaboration when employees are solving certain problems.
Challenges in Virtual Instructor Led Training
Trainers can encounter many challenges during virtual sessions as compared to actual classroom settings. Here are some strategies that can help overcome challenges.
Technology Issues: Make sure that the software is installed on the employees’ computers before sessions begin. Real-time technical support also needs to be provided if employees face any issues.
Communication Issues: Before you commence with the training program, ensure that the employees have good-quality computer accessories like a microphone and a web camera. Additionally, set expectations on how employees have to present their queries. If sessions are long, then schedule short breaks to prevent fatigue.
Online Engagement: Use tools such as interactive whiteboards and polls to keep learners engaged across sessions. Additionally, you can also think about activities that require active involvement.
Time Zone Differences: Try offering many sessions to accommodate time zones. If you don’t have time to host another session at a different time period, then sessions can be recorded for learners.
Content Delivery Challenges: Avoid delivering lectures for a long time span and try to maintain interest by using videos and presentations in different formats. Customizing the content can also be helpful to meet certain needs of learners.
Language and Cultural Differences: When you’re aware of cultural differences, make sure to use inclusive languages and examples so that learners understand the subject well.
Eventually, teachers have to be trained regarding content delivery and managing virtual sessions. To engage learners often during sessions, teachers should also ask direct questions and encourage them to be a part of interactive discussions.
Conclusion
Finally, Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) is soon going to revolutionize online education by offering an interactive learning experience. As technology continues to evolve, VILT will enable seamless collaboration among learners, even when they are geographically dispersed.
The online format will not only offer accessibility and flexibility but will also lead to personalized learning. So, if you wish to bridge learning gaps for individuals across the globe, then feel free to connect with MITR Media to know how the team can create engaging content for remote learning solutions.
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