How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls
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Transcript of How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls
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VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
PITFALLS
HOW TO AVOID
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Virtual classroom is a
fantastic, travel-free option
for delivering training to a
globally-dispersed
audience.
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Unfortunately, many organizations
jump into virtual
classroom without
proper planning.
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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