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Have you ever felt that traditional learning is stuck in the past? With an endless number of binders, droning lectures, as well as the nagging feeling that you could have done something way more productive than this? Well, you can put these worries to rest, as the future of learning is here. We are discussing Virtual Instructor-led training, a dynamic approach that revolutionizes the way we acquire new skills.
If you have ever wondered what is virtual instructor-led training or what instructor-led training is in general, then you have come to the right spot. Get ready to take a deep dive into the exciting world of digital classrooms & discover how learning can be both powerful and exciting at the same time.
What is Virtual Instructor-Led Training?
Virtual Instructor-Led training is essentially a real-time, online training delivered by a live instructor. Let’s think about it from a traditional classroom perspective, but instead of being in the classroom, you will be connected through the internet.
You will attend a live virtual classroom where you can interact with your instructor & your classmates, ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate on activities—all from the comfort of your chosen learning space.
This is not just a webinar; it is a full-fledged, interactive learning experience. The instructor leads the session, guiding its participants through the material, facilitating discussions & providing immediate feedback. This makes the virtual instructor-led training highly interactive for complex topics, developing new skills, and earning the latest certifications.
What Are The Types of Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
Before taking a deep dive into the world of VILT, let’s briefly talk about its big brother: Instructor-led training (ILT). Historically speaking, ILT has been the gold standard for many types of educational and corporate training.
Here are the primary types of Instructor-led training:
1. Traditional Classroom ILT
This is what most people picture whenever they think of a classroom. A physical classroom, with a whiteboard, as well as an instructor at the front, & students sitting at desks, face-to-face interaction, with physical materials.
2. Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
As we are leaning towards advanced tech and AI, this is the online version of the traditional classroom, using the technology to connect participants & instructors in a live virtual classroom. It leverages video conferencing, chat, polls, and breakout rooms for a rich interactive experience.
3. Blended learning ILT
This combines the elements of both traditional and virtual instructor-led training.
Regardless of the format, the core idea of the instructor-led training remains: an expert guides you through the learning journey.
What’s the Difference Between Traditional & Virtual Instructor-Led Training?
While both VILT & traditional ILT are led by an instructor and their delivery mechanisms create a significant difference. Now that we understand VILT, let’s compare it with its traditional counterpart:
| Feature | Traditional Instructor-Led Training (ILT) | Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | A traditional physical classroom requires travel | Anywhere with the internet, remote learning |
| Interaction | Face-to-face, immediate physical cues | Through webcam, mic, chat, polls, as well as digital tools |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & the location | More flexible scheduling, accessible globally |
| Cost | Higher travel, venue materials | Lower ( no travel & venue expenses) |
| Scalability | A limited number of classroom sizes | Highly scalable & can easily accommodate even more participants |
| Accessibility | Limited to the ones with mobility issues & geographic barriers | Highly accessible, helps to promote inclusivity |
| Tools Used | Whiteboards, projectors, handouts | Video conferencing, digital whiteboards, shared screens, and breakout rooms. |
The sudden shift to a live virtual classroom brings out immense advantages, especially in today’s global & remote learning environment.
What are the Benefits of VILT For Employee Development?
Why are so many organizations leaning towards the virtual instructor-led for their teams? However, the benefits of the instructor-led training delivered virtually are too good to be ignored for employee development. Virtual instructor-led training provides at least 5 measurable benefits, such as:
1: Unmatched Flexibility
Many employees can access the high-quality instructor-led courses from anywhere, fitting learning around their schedules & eliminating the travel time.
2: Cost Effectiveness
You can say goodbye to the extensive travel, the venue rentals, as well as physical printouts. The Virtual Instructor-led training reduces the training costs, which makes robust developments even more accessible.
3: Engaging & Interactive
The Modern Virtual Instructor-Led Training offers tools such as Polls, breakout rooms, whiteboards, as well as instant chats, which ensure participants are continuously engaged.
4: Expert Assessments
Businesses can bring in a top-tier instructor from anywhere in the world, expanding access to the specialized knowledge that might not be locally available.
5: Improved Retention
The interactive nature & guided learning of live online training often lead to better knowledge retention compared to purely self-paced passive learning.
Best Practices to Deliver Virtual Instructor-Led Training
So, how do we ensure that the Virtual instructor-led training is no longer ordinary but something extraordinary? However, delivering successful VILT sessions does require a thoughtful approach. Here are some virtual instructor-led training best practices:
- Preparation is the key
Always plan out your content before. Try to break it down into some digestible chunks, incorporate activities, and have backup plans for the technical glitches.
- Engage Early & Often
Use polls, quick questions, as well as icebreakers, right from the beginning. Keep your participants active with the breakout rooms, group exercises, as well as interactive whiteboards. Remember, a live virtual classroom thrives on participation.
- Optimizing Visuals
Opt for clear, concise slides with compelling visuals. Try to avoid text-heavy slides. Think about the animations, short videos, as well as dynamic graphics.
- Master your Tech
Get comfortable with your chosen virtual platform. You can test out your audio, video, and screen sharing beforehand. Encourage your participants to do the same thing.
- Time Management is Critical
Stick to the agenda. Virtual fatigue is real, so build in regular short breaks. However, a 30-minute stretch every 90 minutes can make a huge difference.
- Encourage Camera Use
Better Together Reading is better together: Let your child see your face! Ask people to switch on their cameras if they can.
- Provide Resources
Share your slides, links & extra resources after every session. And, these instructions the learning and guide you with valuable feedback.
- Get Feedback
Did you know that feedback can be used to maximize the potential of your instructor-led courses and in other formats to figure out what works for you & your brands?
Adopting the Best Practices for Virtual Instructor-Led training sessions, from informative to impactful.
Online Tools For Instructor-Led Training
To launch an all-star live virtual class, you are going to need the best ammunition someone can provide. Here are the tools and apps that will make automatic live training easy for you:
- Video Conferencing Platforms
Essentials for actually hosting the live session are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Cisco Webex.
- Learning Management Systems
Systems – such as Moddle, Canvas or custom ones – assist on managing accounts, sharing contents, monitoring attending and conducting pre-/post-session activities.
- Interactive Tools
Mentimeter, Miro or Murai, Sildo & Kahoot: with these tools you enhance participation during teacher-led teaching processes.
- Content Creation Tools
PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for presentations; Camtasia, Snagit for short explainers to recordstdexcept.office.js with these apps.
- Virtual Labs/Simulations Software
Use dedicated virtual lab environments for hands-on lab practice that supplements the instructor-led training.
Concluding Thoughts
Wo there you have it—your ultimate guide to Virtual instructor-led training! From learning what the instructor-led training of the digital age is to mastering its delivery, VILT is a solid, adaptable, and—dare we say—interesting way to learn & develop. It drives better learning results by combining expert instructions with the convenience of online access, while also building a more skilled, agile & valuable workforce.
Keen to unlock potential or arm your team with the latest in skills? Explore our virtual instructor-led courses with uCertify online learning platform today and experience the future of learning.
FAQ’s
VILT vs e-learning: which one is better?
VILT is live, synchronous learning with a live instructor. E-learning is typically asynchronous; learners work on materials independently without a live trainer. They also both offer the instructor-led benefits if made well, only VILT adds that human interaction in real time.
Is Virtual Training as Effective as Traditional Classroom Training?
There is a fair bit of crossover, like clear objectives & engagement, but virtual instructor-led training best practices you want to place more emphasis on technology, handling virtual fatigue, & using virtual online tools to keep your audience engaged in a live virtual classroom.
What kind of licenses can I get online through instructor-led training?
Many professional certifications & licenses, particularly in IT, cybersecurity, project management, and business analysis, can be prepared for and sometimes even obtained online through instructor-led training certification programs. However, always check the specific requirements of the licensing body.
What does instructor-led training mean for corporate learning and development?
The Virtual Instructor-led training, meaning for corporate training, is that the organization can now deliver high-quality, interactive, and consistent training to a dispersed workforce, reduce costs, and scale their learning initiatives far more efficiently than ever before. It is a game-changer for employee development.
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