Could Virtual Classes Become A Thing?

Virtual Classes Benefits For Organizations
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Summary: Can you use web conferencing tools to bring the team together and build vital skills when on-site ILT is no longer an option? In this article, I highlight the many benefits virtual classroom can bring to your remote workforce.

8 Virtual Classroom Benefits

Virtual classrooms deliver all the perks of face-to-face training sessions and none of the drawbacks. Employee training participants still get to interact with peers and online instructors in real time via video conferencing software. There are even built-in whiteboards that allow hosts to—literally—illustrate the point and IM features to open the lines of communication. This makes them the ideal solution for companies that want to make the switch to online training without compromising employee engagement. In fact, many organizations achieve such success with virtual classes that they phase out on-site instruction altogether, given that virtual classes allow for greater autonomy and cut L&D expenses. Could virtual classes really become a crucial part of your online training program? They will if you want to reap any of the following 8 rewards.

eBook Release: Remote Work And Virtual Training In Aid Of Corporations Worldwide
eBook Release
Remote Work And Virtual Training In Aid Of Corporations Worldwide
Launch a virtual training strategy for your newly remote workforce.

1. Improve Online Training Returns

No more site rental fees, travel expenses, or printed training materials. Web conferencing tools are an investment, but they eliminate most—if not all—the costs associated with traditional training. This improves ROI and broadens your profit margins. For example, trainers no longer have to make the rounds to every branch. Nor do you have to pay for employees to attend on-site training workshops or seminars. Everything is done online so that you can stretch available online training resources.

2. Ensure Autonomy Without Sacrificing Social Learning

There’s a common misconception that virtual classrooms are strictly synchronous. While a live event does require employee participation, you can also record the session for later viewing, as well as provide follow-up online training resources to improve comprehension and greater training flexibility. It strikes a perfect balance between autonomy and social interactivity. Employees get to participate in live discussions and benefit from the online instructors’ experience as well as strike out on their own to bridge gaps.

3. Build Interpersonal Skills Remotely

Virtual classes are inherently more interactive and engaging, which makes them ideally suited for soft skills training. Even VILT classroom discussions help them build self-confidence and communication skills as well as evaluate things from a fresh perspective. Thus, your team provides better customer service and seal more deals, even when they work from home. You can also host skill-building events that tie into the classroom sessions, for example, webinars and workshops that focus on non-verbal cues or active listening. There’s that visual/audio component that allows employee training participants to see skills in action and identify hidden performance gaps.

4. Enhance Team Collaboration

Members of your team may start to feel disconnected when working from home. They’re no longer in the same physical space as their coworkers, which puts a strain on the team dynamic. Fortunately, web conferencing tools enhance collaboration and keep them in constant communication. They have the opportunity to share insights and ideas, as well as gather eLearning feedback. For example, an employee struggles with a compliance topic. The VILT format encourages them to ask questions and receive online training resource recommendations. They can work together to achieve common goals and help each other overcome personal gaps.

5. Manage To Provide Flexible And Scalable Learning

One of the standout benefits of owning a virtual class LMS for SMBs is the ability to scale based on your evolving online training needs. For instance, you can add new employees to the guest list or host spin-off events for personalized support such as breakout rooms where smaller groups gather to explore the topic at length or bring newcomers up to speed. VILT is flexible and adaptable because everyone can focus on performance issues or skills that relate to their job duties. Particularly, when you pair virtual classrooms with JIT online training libraries and peer coaching.

6. Cater To Distinct Learning Preferences And Needs

Employees come from different backgrounds and have different training preferences. They all bring something unique to your organization. Thus, you must be able to cater to diverse learning and accessibility preferences and schedules. Web conferencing software supports a broad range of online training content types, from presentations and slideshows to video demos. Or you can even invite guest speakers to share personal anecdotes to make the online training experience more relatable.

7. Reduce The Impact Of Online Training On Employee Workload

Many people who don’t work form home often assume that their "pajama-clad" counterparts have it easy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Remote workers must still contend with a heavy workload and balance their home lives. They must contend with numerous distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. Virtual classrooms grab their attention and reduce seat time. VILT improves knowledge retention and real-world application. Employees can clarify concepts and identify limiting behaviors immediately because it’s all happening in real time. However, they still have the chance to venture down optional certification paths when time permits. Or join the companion social media group for quick online training tips and tricks.

8. Foster Emotional Connectivity

Emotions play a crucial role in virtual training. However, reading an online manual or evaluating static charts isn’t the most enthralling. VILT and virtual classrooms incorporate an emotional element. They hear the subtle vocal inflections or read body language thanks to video conferencing tools. Presentations and stories are truly immersive because they involve a wide range of multimedia as well as human instructors who bring their own personalities (e.g., humor) to the virtual classroom.

Virtual classes aren’t the next big thing, they’re the modern solution to employee development and remote skill-building. VILT is a cost-effective way to personalize your L&D strategy and foster a stronger company culture today. But it all hinges on your technologies of choice. Invest in web conferencing tools and LMS platforms that prioritize social learning. Ensure they have all the features you need to boost team collaboration and peer-based support.

Organizations are in need of innovative solutions in order to overcome the challenges of remote working and retain the high quality of their L&D program. The eBook Remote Work And Virtual Training In Aid Of Corporations Worldwide provides insightful tips and secrets on how virtual training can help you keep your team engaged and still achieve your business objectives. Find out how investing in virtual training solutions can eliminate the stress and facilitate the transition to working remotely.