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ATD Blog

What Should I Ask During a Virtual Classroom Demo?

Tuesday, July 25, 2017
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The key software needed for a virtual training initiative is the virtual classroom platform. Sometimes it’s called a web conferencing program, an online collaboration platform, or virtual meeting software. I typically refer to it as the virtual classroom software program or the virtual classroom platform.

These platforms contain a variety of features that are used for group collaboration and interactivity. For example, facilitators can ask questions through a poll, or by asking participants to respond in chat. Whiteboards allow for group brainstorming. Status indicators let participants respond to yes or no questions or raise their hands. And breakouts let smaller groups of participants get together for role plays or team discussions. For a description of the most common platform tools, there’s a list at the end of chapter 2 of Virtual Training Tools and Templates.

It’s important to note that most virtual classroom software programs are part of a suite of similar products offered by a supplier. For example, Cisco WebEx has four products: Event Center, Meeting Center, Training Center, and Support Center. And there is Citrix GoTo-Meeting, GoToTraining, and GoToWebinar. This is important because each product includes different features. For instance, one product might have public chat, while another product from the same supplier might only allow for private chat.

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When you are selecting a virtual classroom platform, it’s helpful to see it in action before making a purchase. If you’re able to view a demonstration of the platform, here are some questions to ask:

  • Which product or version of the platform is being demonstrated? 
  • What other products or versions of the platform exist? 
  • What’s unique about this platform? 
  • What specific tools and features are available in this platform? Will you demonstrate each one? 
  • How many hosts or presenters can be in a session at the same time? 
  • How many participants can be in a session at the same time? 
  • What tools or features are only available to hosts or presenters? 
  • What privileges can be granted to participants? 
  • How many simultaneous breakout rooms can an event have? 
  • How are virtual events created? What information is needed to create an event? Is there a calendar plug-in for invitations? 
  • How does the platform handle Internet bandwidth and connectivity issues? 
  • What audio options are available with this platform? If integrated conference calling is available, what are its features and limitations? For example, are international numbers available in the countries where we have office locations? 
  • How does the license model work for this platform? 
  • Is this platform compatible with our learning management system?

For more tips on how to choose a virtual classroom platform, check out my new book, Virtual Training Tools and Templates.

About the Author

Cindy is a pioneer in the field of virtual training. She’s been providing virtual training solutions for more than 19 years (since the early 2000s), and is a recognized industry expert in teaching training professionals how to design and deliver interactive online classes.

Cindy is the author of four books on virtual training: Virtual Training Tools and Templates: An Action Guide to Live Online Learning (2017), The Virtual Training Guidebook: How to Design, Deliver, and Implement Live Online Learning (2014), Virtual Training Basics (1st edition 2010 and 2nd edition 2018). She’s coauthored two ASTD Press Infolines, “Simple, Effective Online Learning” and “Designing for the Virtual Classroom”, has contributed to many compilations, including the ASTD Handbook: The Definitive Reference for Training & Development and 101 Ways to Make Learning Active Beyond the Classroom, and written several articles for T+D magazine.

Cindy partners with her clients to help them transition from the face-to-face to the virtual classroom, and works with them to design online and blended learning solutions. Her clients include global organizations of all sizes, including several in the Fortune 100 list.

With over thirty years of overall professional experience, Cindy has worked in various industries including technology, construction, higher education, retail and the public sector. Her management and global experience includes serving as the regional Director of Training and Operations for an international software training company, and the Learning and Development manager for a global mechanical contractor.

Cindy is a sought-after conference speaker, and has presented multiple times at the ATD (formerly ASTD) International Conference and Expo, TechKnowledge, Training, Learning Solutions, DevLearn, as well as the Online Learning Conference, Masie’s Learning, and the Annual SHRM Conference. Her online webcasts have been attended by thousands of people around the globe. And she’s one of only a handful of worldwide trainers who has been chosen to deliver ATD’s Master Trainer and Master Instructional Designer Programs.

Cindy holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Cindy was also one of the first to earn the prestigious Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), formerly CPLP, designation.

As Chair of ASTD’s National Advisors for Chapters, Cindy served on the global ATD (formerly ASTD) Board of Directors in 2009-2010. She was recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as a “40-Under-40” Award recipient in 2003. She also co-founded a non-profit organization to promote volunteering and community service in her local area. She’s passionate about helping others succeed and brings that dedication and commitment to every project she undertakes.

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