Five Best Practices for Remote Training

Because we were determined to quickly adapt to our new set of circumstances, we looked at ways to leverage our available technology to engage learners virtually and enhance their experience. Admittedly, this past year brought about numerous changes to our training design, and we learned a great deal about what works and what doesn’t in a remote environment. Now more than ever, virtual learning has become a must-have feature of our training platforms.

How Did We Do It?

Trial and error. We decided that the only way to determine what would work in our new virtual training environment would be to try it on and see if it fit. 

The things that we found that worked to our advantage:

1. Set clear goals, ground rules, and expectations.
2. Encourage active participation.  Have participants facilitate the class and thier learning. Provide them with the controls and allow the class to read the road map while taking turns navigating through hands-on activities.
3. Check in often and remain patient.  Stay curious by asking follow-up questions to ensure that everyone is on the same page of understanding.
4. Utilize the chat window to give everyone a vehicle to be an active class participant.
5. Remain a champion for change and remain open to new ideas and techniques. Listen and ask our learners what worked and what didn’t.

The Silver Lining

We learned that we are resilient, creative, and champions for change.  These traits have given us the advantage to “lean in” to the adjustments necessary for virtual training. Having a supportive management team is, without a doubt, the reason our training professionals embody these traits and continue to deliver as promised to our customers and clients.