Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021 - 51

Dell offered train-the-trainer workshops
for instructors to learn new tools and
techniques to better support virtual
delivery and ensure that the audience
stays engaged.
Here are some best practices used to
enhance learner engagement:
* Interaction with learner
- Offer check-in sessions prior to
class for students to become
familiar with the virtual classroom.
- Engage learners every four to six
minutes to keep their attention
throughout the lesson.
* Teaching techniques
- Provide clear
instructions.

and

concise

- Apply a variety of question
techniques - i.e., closed, openended, probing or leading
questions.
- Leverage mixed media, such as
slides, video, audio and other digital
tools, to creatively explain complex
concept using visual examples.
* Teaching tools
- Utilize the functionality of virtual
classroom software actions and
surveys, such as polling and raise
hand features.
- Leverage breakout rooms.
It's important to make these necessary
adjustments to style and delivery

when teaching in a virtual classroom.
If instructors simply recycle traditional
content in virtual training without making
these changes, the content may not
be well received or comprehended.
When teaching in virtual classrooms, it
is important to create an environment
where
learners
are
engaged,
collaboration is embraced, and constant
feedback is welcomed and required.
Another challenge facing virtual
classrooms includes the varying degrees
of adoption across regions. For example,
North America has adopted virtual
modalities of training more rapidly than
the rest of the world. One of the reasons
for slower adoption in other regions
may include language constraints, as
most content is typically developed and
delivered in English - especially in the IT
training world.
It's also critical to monitor virtual
classroom infrastructure for both
instructors and learners to ensure
stable connectivity. We have found that
unstable networks continue to be one
of the biggest struggles for students. To
help mitigate future issues with internet
connectivity and stability, best practices
and procedures for potential issues must
be outlined in advance. Furthermore,
many students struggle with device
limitations, such as a lack of available
memory and storage, slow processors,
and missing headsets.
DEBUNKING VIRTUAL
CLASSROOM MYTHS
The biggest myths of virtual classroom
training focus on the idea that learners
will miss out on experiences they
would normally have in a traditional

classroom. For example, some assert
that virtual classrooms lack the ability
for users to network during breaks,
or virtual trainings will not deliver the
same learning results. However, these
assumptions are false.
For over 10 years, Dell Technologies
Education Services' customer satisfaction
and net promotor scores (CSAT/NPS)
for virtual learning have been higher
compared to traditional classroom
equivalents. We have found that the right
combination of professional infrastructure
and appropriate content and capabilities
for the mobile world result in successful
virtual training.
In particular, Dell's transition to 100%
virtual delivery during the pandemic
was a big success, garnering positive
feedback from our audience. There
was a lot of appreciation for continuing
learning offerings during tough times
and supporting the digital transformation
initiatives of many of our customers.
For some, virtual training attendance
was a new experience that exceeded
their expectations.
When it is safe to gather together, Dell
will offer traditional classroom instruction
to our employees and customers again
- allowing them a choice of the most
suitable modality for them. With growing
workforce transformations, we believe
the need for virtual deliveries will remain
in high demand.
Joachim Worf is an education enterprise
programs lead within Dell Technologies
Education Services and has been
with the company for 20 years across
various education services roles.
Email Joachim.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
PROS

CONS

Travel and expense savings.

Lack of personal networking opportunity.

Better work-life balance for instructor.

Learners can get side-tracked more easily.

Broader reach to training audience.

Difficult to replicate hands-on education.

T R A I N I N G I N DUSTR Y MAGAZ INE - VIRTUAL LEARNING I W WW. T RAI NINGINDU S T RY . C OM/ MAGAZ I NE

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Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021

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