Thoughts from a virtual trainer

Like many of us, last year was rather different for all of us at Kingsfield Academy.  For the first time in over 20 years, I was not jumping on a plane every other week – at least that has improved my carbon footprint!

After delivering face-to-face training for several years, I was faced with going virtual. Like many, I was sceptical about it – learning new technology, would it feel the same, could I replicate the classroom interactions, would the participants be engaged, etc.

Virtual Training vs Classroom Training?

The technology stepped up and is still evolving as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Adobe Connect, etc. All realise the longer-term potential in this increased market size.  The ability to use whiteboards, move people into breakout rooms, to have parallel chats and get feedback, and bring in guest speakers from around the world has been energising and fun. As we all got used to using this technology for almost all our interactions with colleagues, it became easier, we all got more comfortable having cameras on, and we relaxed into this new modus operandi.

Is it the same as face-to-face? No. But it’s a pretty good substitute and brings lots of advantages as well – no commute or travel time, lower costs, being able to keep the day job going and wearing your comfy gear from the waist down! Apart from one interesting episode with a member of a tribunal who was getting ready for the start of a hearing, forgot that his camera was on and was still getting dressed, it all went without too much trouble!

My training goals

As a trainer, I’m concerned with three things:

• Is the training able to convey the learning objectives?
• Are my participants engaged, contributing and sharing their experiences?
• Am I able to assess and adapt to the needs of the participants in real-time?

It’s definitely easier to monitor these objectives in a face-to-face classroom – there’s little place to hide.  For virtual training, there’s some thought and re-design that needs to happen to try to create space and ability to engage with the participants. Keeping sessions shorter, with healthy breaks, taking ‘expert input’ offline, having at least 50% of the time in a group or individual discussions, and seeking regular feedback are all strategies to try to ensure the participant experience is enriching.

All of our courses at Kingsfield Academy are highly interactive, whether face-to-face or virtual.  It’s been rewarding to re-create that high level of participation in a virtual format – and often this takes participants by surprise.  Having cameras on for a lot of the time so that we feel that we have got to know each other makes a big difference, especially as a trainer. Feedback like this makes all the hard work worthwhile…

“Just wanted to say you get 12 out of 10 for this course! I was very impressed on how smooth it went and well organised it was, between separate rooms/live pols and interactive white board it’s a proof online training can be very interactive and engaging. Content was spot on and definitely gave me more insight into commercial side of my projects”.

The new normal?

Like everyone, we’re still learning and working hard to develop our virtual deliveries, by varying the methods of interacting, plugging in some of the creative tools emerging every day, and challenging ourselves to get as close to the face-to-face experience as possible.  There’s a danger that we all get weary of this constant online presence, which challenges us even more as trainers to make our time together memorable and stimulating. We’ve had many participants in 2020 who were on furlough. Hopefully, the time spent learning and reflecting on what we do and how we do it will sow some seeds for our work when it gets back to normal.

I’m sure we are all reflecting on 2020 and thinking about what we want to keep for 2021 and beyond.  My opinion is that virtual learning is here to stay, whilst there’s still a place for specific face-to-face events.  It’s cheaper, more convenient for all, flexible, and can achieve those same learning outcomes if designed and delivered well. And for this year, probably the only option!

Karen Cherrill – Partner Kingsfield Academy