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Facilitating virtual classroom (VC) training can feel quite different than the face-to-face interaction you’ve become familiar with as a traditional classroom trainer. You might feel less confident with your virtual delivery skills. Maybe you’re going through the motions of facilitating VC training, or perhaps you’ve avoided it so far.
If you’re hiding from the virtual classroom spotlight or haven’t made the transition to virtual facilitation, use these tips to present the best virtual version of yourself and get back into the training spotlight!
First, get prepared! You’ll need to acquire the right equipment and learn everything about the virtual platform you’ll be using.
You’ll want a wired headset, wired internet, and a computer setup where you can work comfortably. If you’ll be on a webcam, ensure you have proper lighting and a background that won’t distract from your message. The angle of your camera and your distance from the camera are critical too. To present the best virtual version of yourself, angle and position your camera so your head and shoulders are visible in the webcam box.
Learn how to use your virtual classroom platform through lots of practice. Play with the tools you’ll ask your learners to use. There are online tutorials for all platforms. I like to log in with a second computer as well. The second login replicates what the learners will see and experience and can also be used as a backup if my first login fails. Once you’ve learned the platform, rehearsals are the best way to prepare for any upcoming virtual event.
Next, remember the virtual classroom is an opportunity to connect, collaborate and communicate with your learners.
I like to connect with learners as soon as possible. Prepare a warmup activity that allows everyone to actively participate from the moment they get logged in. This can range from a simple poll, a question about experience, or even something fun that allows the learners to share about themselves and practice using the tools.
Collaboration is key in the virtual classroom, and it is possible! We just need to be a bit more creative about it. The use of simultaneous tools, where everyone can respond at the same time, is very effective. Use polls, whiteboards with annotation tools, and chat so everyone can respond to questions, brainstorm, and share their experiences.
Verbal responses are good but use them sparingly because only one person can share at a time. Use the verbal response when you need more details or ask a follow-up question. If you’re using a discussion technique or a practice exercise that involves verbal collaboration, break your learners up into small groups of four to six learners and use the breakout room features in your platform.
Verbal communication will be critical to your success as a virtual classroom facilitator. Use inflection and clear and concise language. And prepare ahead of time to avoid verbal graffiti (speech fillers).
It’s also important to take a moment to pause when needed to collect your thoughts. Silence is an effective way to let your learners process information and reflect, so don’t be afraid to give learners that moment of silence to respond.
Many facilitators have realized that well-facilitated virtual classroom training can be just as engaging, if not more, for our virtual learners. Get prepared. Connect, collaborate, and communicate with your learners, and you’ll be confident in the virtual classroom spotlight!
If you’re preparing to facilitate in the virtual classroom, check out these Langevin workshops: The Virtual Trainer and Maximizing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom. Both workshops focus on delivering interactive training in a virtual environment. Be prepared and never hide from the virtual classroom spotlight again!
