8 Benefits Of Virtual Classroom Software Versus ILT To Face The Coronavirus Crisis

Virtual Classroom Software Benefits You Should Know
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Summary: Learning tech brings everyone together and facilitates peer-based support without the risk. In this article, I highlight 8 reasons why you should consider virtual classroom software versus ILT.

Virtual Classroom Software Benefits For Remote Teams

Virtual classrooms give employees a safe space to get hands-on training from a distance. They don’t have to give up real-time support or one-on-one interactions because the LMS has all the collaborative tools they need to succeed. That is even if the coronavirus crisis derails your current ILT strategy. In fact, you probably won’t switch back to traditional training once you reap the rewards of virtual classroom software.

eBook Release: LMS Buying Guide: How Virtual Classroom Software Will Help You Overcome The COVID-19 Crisis
eBook Release
LMS Buying Guide: How Virtual Classroom Software Will Help You Overcome The COVID-19 Crisis
Discover all the insider tips to choose the best virtual classroom software for your business and adapt to the new reality.

8 Benefits You Need To Consider

Not only do these LMS tools benefit your bottom line but they also bring employees back into the fold. Learners don’t have to feel isolated from the team simply because they’re geographically dispersed. Instead, they have the chance to create better collaborations. Plus, interactions among colleagues become more engaging. Here are 8 notable perks of a virtual classroom LMS versus ILT to face the COVID-19 crisis head-on.

1. Launch A Remote And Risk-Free Training Program

Due to the global pandemic, social distancing is the new norm. This makes it challenging to gather your team in one location for on-site training. Fortunately, virtual classroom software allows you to host remote VILT sessions that minimize the risk of contagion. You don’t have to worry about employees maintaining a 2-meter distance or properly sanitizing the location before they arrive because all the training takes place in a virtual classroom environment. Another bonus is not having to wear gloves or masks, which is the new dress code for ILT courses.

2. Offer Anytime Peer Support To Your Teams

ILT gives employees the opportunity to interact with instructors and peers. But that stops when they leave the on-site session. On the other hand, a virtual classroom LMS facilitates anytime, anywhere support. Peers can help each other identify limiting performance behaviors and overcome work-related challenges from afar. Best of all, they can address issues on the spot instead of waiting until the next ILT event, where they would have forgotten about the problem or it would no longer be relevant.

3. Use The Advantages Of Virtual Classroom Tools To Improve Flexibility

The best virtual classroom software makes it quick and convenient to train. Employees attend synchronous events from the comfort of their homes. They can also participate in self-guided courses whenever it fits into their schedule. In short, virtual classrooms are more flexible and adaptable. And not just for your employees. Instructors, managers, and facilitators don’t have to travel either. They can simply log in to the LMS and share their expertise. No more booking flights, worrying about hotel accommodations, or spacing chairs to reduce COVID-19 risks.

4. Enhance Personalization For Online Training

Your training program should be personalized, regardless of the global situation. However, it’s even more important during the coronavirus crisis because employees need to know how the training relates to practical job duties. A virtual classroom LMS enhances personalization due to the fact that every employee gets targeted support tools. They’re also enrolled in VILT sessions that relate to job tasks and responsibilities. As well as compliance policies and protocols to stay safe in the workplace. In contrast, ILT is typically one-size-fits-all. Employees attend the same workshops or presentations, regardless of their roles, given that there’s simply not enough time or money for separate training events.

5. Incorporate Digital Job Aids

One more virtual classroom software benefit versus ILT is supplementing employee knowledge. You’re able to incorporate digital resources that bridge skill gaps and improve performance behaviors. It doesn’t have to be comprehensive courses. Something as simple as a 2-minute demo or online training tutorial can help staffers identify personal areas for improvement. Instructors can also use these digital job aids in their curriculum. For instance, they refer employees to the online training library and provide resource links.

6. Stretch L&D Resources

In this case, resources pertain to training assets and L&D talent. Virtual classroom software can alleviate workload because everything is centralized. Plus, your L&D team doesn’t have to book a venue, print training materials, and deal with instructor travel arrangements. Virtual classrooms also stretch your budget because you can reuse existing assets. For instance, record a VILT session and upload it to the online training library. Or repurpose images, video clips, and modules to create a self-paced certification course. This is undeniably one of the most useful virtual classroom software benefits.

7. Provide Immediate Online Training Feedback

It’s difficult for one instructor to teach large groups. As such, many employees don’t get crucial one-on-one time. Virtual classroom software facilitates immediate feedback, whether it’s from experienced peers, remote instructors, or asynchronous activities. For example, employees can participate in online simulations and branching scenarios that tie into the VILT topic. This is followed by personalized recommendations and performance overviews. Employees get to evaluate their behaviors and decisions right away when the subject matter is still fresh in their minds and there’s time to make meaningful change.

8. Retain Top Talent

Employees expect a safe and supportive training environment. Thus, virtual classroom software helps you retain top performers and decrease new hire training costs. Employees are more likely to stay with your organization if you make L&D engaging, convenient, and flexible, instead of forcing them to attend on-site ILT courses and rearrange their busy schedules. They also appreciate the fact that your company values staffer wellbeing. Sure, you have to invest in a new LMS and develop VILT content. But that’s a small price to pay, knowing that your employees are out of harm’s way. And that they can train in their own time, wherever they’re most comfortable.

One of the best things about virtual classroom software is that you don’t have to choose between ILT and eLearning. You can host VILT sessions to build foundational knowledge. Then provide JIT tools online for remote support and reinforcement. Better still, you can choose the ratio that works best for you. For example, 75% of the training takes place in the virtual classroom. While the remainder is self-paced modules and microlearning refreshers. Thus, it’s flexible, adaptable, and cost-effective for every organization.

If you’re looking for other resources to help you navigate the “new normal,” we’ve got you covered. Our eBook, LMS Buying Guide: How Virtual Classroom Software Will Help You Overcome The COVID-19 Crisis, walks you through the entire process, from setting a realistic budget and identifying must-have features to finding the right support services to boost tool functionality.