How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved. 1

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

PITFALLS

HOW TO AVOID


Virtual classroom is a

fantastic, travel-free option

for delivering training to a

globally-dispersed

audience.


Unfortunately, many organizations

jump into virtual

classroom without

proper planning.


Beware of 10 pitfalls when considering the transition to virtual.

! PITFALLS


Not having a GOAL for your virtual classroom implementation

1 PITFALL


REALITY: Virtual classroom may or may not be right for your needs.

Ask yourself

three

plunge.

critical questions

before you

take the


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?


Not setting learner expectations

2 PITFALL


(Let your learners in on the secret)

Virtual Classroom

≠ Webinar


Virtual classroom engages

learners in active listening.

Learners acquire knowledge

through interactivity with the

platform, the facilitator, and

one another.


Failing to provide an appropriate virtual classroom learning

environment

This is

not correct

3 PITFALL


“Just gather in

the conference room

and project the

virtual classroom

session,” -said no facilitator ever.


To optimize participation and focus… Every learner should

have his/her own

computer and phone

line (and private space

to learn).


Lacking knowledge of web conferencing platforms

4 PITFALL


A technical snafu can derail and undermine the credibility of an otherwise

well-designed virtual classroom course.


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.


Not having a plan for selecting, training, and monitoring facilitators

5 PITFALL


A good traditional classroom facilitator…

…a good virtual classroom facilitator.

is not always


A good virtual classroom

facilitator engages the

learner with his/her voice

and uses additional

questioning techniques to

gauge understanding of

concepts.


The right skill set is just the

beginning.

To keep facilitators sharp…

• Help them develop new skills.

• Observe them

in action.

• Provide ongoing

feedback.


Not using a producer

6 PITFALL


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.


Lacking learner

engagement in the

session

7 PITFALL


• Avoid

>2 “tell” slides in a row.

• Discourage

multitasking;

include opportunities

to use chat, annotation,

feedback, and

breakout rooms.

Interactivity is critical:


Not providing course

materials

8 PITFALL


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!


Not piloting the course before launch

9 PITFALL


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.


Not practicing

1 PITFALL

0


Practice before you teach!

The key to any kind

of facilitation (and most

things in life):

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!


Ready to take your training virtual?


Sign up for a demo today!

Experience

DDI’s Virtual Classroom

http://insight.ddiworld.com/vcdemo

http://insight.ddiworld.com/vcdemo

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How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls