How to Keep Participants Engaged in Virtual Training
Virtual instructor-led training (vILT) has become a vital tool for employee development, especially as we step into a new year with fresh resolutions and goals for workplace efficiency.
One of the main advantages is convenience, as participants can attend training from any location with internet access, eliminating the need for travel. Additionally, vILT offers flexibility, as it can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for participants, allowing them to balance work and training commitments.
To ensure that participants are fully immersed in the training and retain the information being presented, it is important to implement strategies that promote engagement. We will discuss various techniques that can be used to keep participants engaged during virtual training sessions.
Set Firm Expectations Up Front
This can be done by clearly communicating the objectives, schedule, and rules of the virtual training session to the participants. For instance, letting participants know how long the session will last, what topics will be covered, and how they can ask questions or interact during the session can help set expectations.
Additionally, it's essential to establish rules that encourage participation and discourage distractions. For example, asking participants to silence their phones or avoid multitasking during the session can help maintain focus and engagement. By setting clear expectations up front, participants can better prepare themselves and be more engaged during the virtual training session.
Use Video
Video can be a powerful tool to keep participants engaged during virtual instructor-led training sessions. Using video can help break up the monotony of a virtual training session and provide visual aids that can aid in comprehension and retention. One effective method is to incorporate video into the presentation itself.
For instance, if you have a team of contract trainers they can include short video clips that illustrate key points or real-world examples to help bring the content to life. Additionally, video can be used as an interactive tool to engage participants directly. For example, trainers can use video conferencing software to host live discussions or breakout sessions where participants can collaborate and share their ideas. By incorporating video into virtual instructor-led training sessions, trainers can create a more dynamic and interactive experience that keeps participants engaged and motivated to learn.
Here are a few ways to use video to promote engagement:
-
Promote the use of ‘camera on’ to introduce the instructor and create a personal connection.
-
Use video to demonstrate concepts and procedures: Using videos to demonstrate concepts or procedures can help to make the training more interactive and engaging. This can also make it easier for participants to understand and retain the information.
-
Use video to show real-world examples: Using videos to show real-world examples of the concepts being taught can help to make the training more relatable and engaging for participants.
-
Recording the session and making it available for later viewing allows the participants to revisit the material and review any information they may have missed.
-
Use video polls or quizzes: Incorporating interactive video polls or quizzes can keep participants engaged and it can test their understanding of the material.
Reach Out at Regular Intervals
Reaching out to participants at regular intervals is a simple yet effective way to keep them engaged during virtual training. This can be done by using various communication channels such as email or chat to touch base with participants before, during, and after the training. For example, trainers can send out reminders and teasers before the training to build anticipation and generate interest. During the training, trainers can use polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions to engage participants and keep them involved.
Trainers can also offer feedback and recognition to participants who participate actively during the training. After the training, trainers can send follow-up messages that summarize key takeaways or offer additional resources to support continued learning. By reaching out at regular intervals, trainers can create a sense of community and connection among participants, fostering engagement and motivation to learn.
Pull your audience back in with these quick and effective strategies:
-
Asking for responses in the chat
-
Presenting polls to your audience
-
Asking for relatable topics to the current discussion
-
Camera on/camera off responses
-
Breakout room discussions with small groups
These are good ways that can answer the question: How to Keep Participants Engaged in Virtual Training
Creating Interactive and Dynamic Content
One of the ways to keep participants engaged in vILT is to create interactive and dynamic content. This can be achieved using polls, quizzes, and other interactive elements that allow participants to actively engage with the material.
Additionally, incorporating multimedia elements, such as videos and images, can help to break up the monotony of a traditional slide-based presentation and keep participants interested.
Another important aspect of keeping participants engaged in virtual instructor-led training is fostering interaction and collaboration. This can be done with breakout rooms, where small groups of participants can work together on a task or activity. Additionally, using tools such as whiteboards, chat functions, and shared documents can allow for real-time interaction and collaboration during the training.
Maintaining focus and attention is crucial for keeping participants engaged in vILT. One way to do this is to ensure that the training is well-structured and organized, with clear objectives and a logical flow. Additionally, incorporating breaks and allowing for plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions and provide feedback can help to keep them focused and engaged.
Instructional Designers can also structure the content in a way that keeps participants focused, such as breaking the session into shorter segments, using interactive exercises, and offering regular breaks. Additionally, trainers can use their voice and tone to convey enthusiasm and energy, which can help keep participants engaged and motivated. By maintaining focus and attention, trainers can create a more productive and effective virtual training experience, helping participants retain and apply the knowledge and skills they acquire during the session.
If you found this blog helpful and want to learn more,
be sure to download our FREE eBook:
6 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement in vILT
