Live virtual training refers to a form of education or professional development that takes place in a virtual environment in real-time, typically facilitated through online platforms, web conferencing software, or virtual classrooms. In live virtual training, participants and instructors interact remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence in a traditional classroom setting.
Key features of live virtual training include:
Real-time Interaction: Participants and instructors engage with each other in real-time through audio, video, chat, and other interactive features provided by the virtual platform.
Remote Accessibility: Participants can attend training sessions from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for individuals located in different geographical locations.
Interactive Learning: Live virtual training often incorporates interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, breakout sessions, and group activities to promote engagement and active participation.
Scheduled Sessions: Training sessions are scheduled at specific times, and participants are expected to attend at the designated times just as they would for in-person training sessions.
Facilitator-led Instruction: An instructor or facilitator leads the training session, guiding participants through the content, facilitating discussions, and addressing questions or concerns in real-time.
Multimedia Integration: Live virtual training may include various multimedia elements such as slideshows, videos, simulations, and online demonstrations to enhance the learning experience.
Live virtual training has become increasingly popular, especially in situations where in-person training is not feasible or practical, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers flexibility, accessibility, and opportunities for interactive learning, making it a valuable tool for education, professional development, and corporate training programs.
Live Virtual Training Platforms
There are several live virtual training platforms available that offer a range of features to facilitate interactive and engaging online learning experiences. Here are some popular options:
Zoom: Zoom is a widely used video conferencing platform that offers features such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and interactive whiteboards. It is commonly used for virtual meetings, webinars, and live virtual training sessions.
Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that integrates video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and other communication tools. It includes features such as live events, breakout rooms, and integration with other Microsoft Office applications.
Google Meet: Google Meet is a video conferencing platform that is part of the Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) suite of productivity tools. It offers features such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, and real-time collaboration on documents and presentations.
Webex Training: Webex Training is a dedicated platform for hosting virtual training sessions and webinars. It includes features such as breakout sessions, interactive polling, whiteboarding, and attendee engagement analytics.
Adobe Connect: Adobe Connect is a comprehensive web conferencing platform that offers features for virtual classrooms, webinars, and online training. It includes customizable virtual rooms, interactive polls, breakout rooms, and multimedia integration.
GoToTraining: GoToTraining is a platform specifically designed for hosting online training sessions. It offers features such as interactive polls, quizzes, breakout sessions, and attendance tracking.
BigBlueButton: BigBlueButton is an open-source web conferencing platform designed for online learning and collaboration. It includes features such as real-time video and audio conferencing, interactive whiteboard, screen sharing, and breakout rooms.
Zoom Video Webinars: Zoom Video Webinars is a specialized version of Zoom designed for hosting webinars and virtual events. It offers features such as registration management, attendee engagement tools, and webinar analytics.
When choosing a live virtual training platform, consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, cost, integration with other tools, security features, and support for interactive learning activities. Additionally, make sure to assess your specific needs and requirements to select the platform that best suits your organization or training program.
How to Deliver Engaging Live Virtual Training Events
Delivering engaging live virtual training requires a combination of effective planning, interactive techniques, and technological know-how. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you deliver engaging live virtual training sessions:
Understand Your Audience
Know who your audience is, their level of expertise, and their learning preferences. Tailor your content and delivery style to match their needs.
Set Clear Learning Objectives
Define clear goals for each training session. Ensure that participants understand what they will learn and achieve by the end of the session.
Interactive Content
Use a variety of interactive content such as polls, quizzes, videos, and multimedia presentations to keep participants engaged and reinforce learning.
Engage Participants from the Start
Start your session with an icebreaker or a brief introduction activity to set a positive and interactive tone.
Utilize Breakout Rooms
Break participants into smaller groups for discussions, case studies, or group activities. This promotes collaboration and active learning.
Encourage Participation
Create opportunities for participants to ask questions, share insights, and participate in discussions. Use features like chat, raised hands, or unmute options to facilitate interaction.
Keep Sessions Short and Dynamic
Break your content into digestible chunks and intersperse with interactive elements to maintain participants' attention. Avoid long monologues or slides filled with text.
Use Visual Aids Effectively
Use visual aids such as slides, diagrams, and charts to support your content. Keep slides visually appealing and concise to avoid overwhelming participants.
Provide Hands-On Activities
Incorporate hands-on activities, simulations, or role-plays to reinforce learning and practical application.
Use Engaging Presenting Techniques
Vary your tone, pace, and delivery style to keep participants engaged. Use storytelling, humor, and real-life examples to make the content relatable.
Encourage Feedback
Regularly solicit feedback from participants to gauge their understanding, address concerns, and improve future sessions.
Technical Support
Ensure that participants have access to technical support in case they encounter any issues during the session. Familiarize yourself with the platform's features to troubleshoot common problems.
Follow-Up
Provide follow-up resources, such as additional reading materials, recordings of the session, or online forums for continued discussion and learning.
Continuous Improvement
Reflect on each training session to identify what worked well and areas for improvement. Adapt your approach based on feedback and evolving participant needs.
By implementing these strategies, you can deliver engaging live virtual training that effectively meets the needs of your participants and enhances their learning experience.
About LMS Portals
At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.
The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make the LMS Portals platform the ideal SaaS-based platform to deliver engaging live virtual training events.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages