What Is Virtual Training?

Virtual training or online corporate training refers to training programs conducted on a virtual platform. Here, not just the trainer, but the participants are in separate locations too. And interact with each other virtually. It is a simulation of traditional classroom training and currently its best substitute too!

We all know that traditional classroom trainings are the most effective. They are more effective than e-learning due to the ‘human touch’ that they offer.  It is easier to learn directly from a live trainer who you can interact with, ask questions and share experiences. These are unfortunately not possible when it comes to learning from a computer programme! But then what do we do when we are unable to attend classroom trainings? How do we keep the development going?

That’s where virtual training programs comes in. It provides an experience similar to that of classroom training. Only, virtually. And the only major difference is that you are physically not in the same room as your trainer and fellow participants. But can still converse with them, virtually.

Do you know the benefits of virtual training or online corporate training? Let me tell you!

1.       Convenience

Virtual trainings are super convenient. Neither the trainer nor the participants have to be physically together for it. Therefore, each person can log in for the training from their respective remote locations. Which saves everyone the trouble of travelling to the venue and time too.

2.       Minimum Arrangements

Classroom trainings need various arrangements - venue, food, stationary, projector, etc. Virtual training, on the other hand; just requires a quite space in your house, a laptop, an internet connection and a notepad and pen. Most of which I’m sure many of us already have!  

3.       Assimilation Ease

Unlike classroom trainings, virtual training programs are of a short duration and are spread over a longer span.  This makes them easier to process and reflect on. And the larger number of trainer touchpoints helps in clearing more doubts thereby easing implementation and improving overall retention.

4.       Schedule Flexibility

Because virtual modules are of shorter durations, participants can schedule their working hours accordingly. They can spend some part of their day on development and catch up on productivity during the remaining hours.

5.       Catering to Different Learner Types

A virtual training provides better opportunities for quieter participants to interact. How? Due to its chat feature where they can directly message the trainer or a particular participant. This way they can ask queries or share experiences without having to open up in front of the entire   class. A great way to capture their voice and encourage them to slowly open up before others.

So, this is what virtual training is all about. And why so many organisations have started conducting virtual training sessions in their organisations. So, what are you waiting for?

The Importance Of Training The Trainer

We have been under a lockdown for quite some time now and frankly have no idea of how much longer this is going to continue. One thing, however, we know for sure is, that it’s definitely going to take some more time before things get back to normal. And to ensure that learning continues in the meanwhile, we have started offering our clients virtual instructor-led trainings. One of them being virtual train the trainer workshops.

Some of you may be wondering how attending a train the trainer program can be useful at such a time. Especially when many trainers and training managers are on the verge of losing their jobs and assignments due to this pandemic. In fact, most companies have stopped conducting trainings altogether and are now cutting down on their training budgets to survive the recession. How then could train the trainer programs be important in such a time?

Firstly, not all companies have cut down on training and development. They understand the importance of training and developing their employees in times like these, to prepare them for what’s coming ahead. And are making use of various online learning options like e-learning and webinars to serve this purpose.

However, what we have realised is, that though e-learning and other online training options help in learning and upgrading, they are not as effective as classroom trainings. In a classroom you directly interact with the trainer, perform activities, share and discuss with other participants, etc. which helps improve assimilation, retention and overall learning. Hence, we thought of taking our classrooms online. So, you can still interact with the trainer and do almost all those things that you do in a classroom training, virtually. Now, isn’t that great?

And that’s also the reason why train the trainer workshops need to be held currently. To teach trainers how to successfully design and deliver virtual instructor led training. The way to approach such sessions is slightly different from classroom sessions. And can be challenging if you are unaware of the ways to effectively conduct instructor-led online trainings.

Times are changing, and we all need to keep upgrading ourselves to keep up. The same goes for the training community too. And that’s why attending a virtual train the trainer program is extremely important and one that we are all going to need to attend sooner or later!