Photo by: ronnachaip via Canva
We see a lot of information out there about how to deliver successful virtual, synchronous training but there’s not a lot said about how to be an effective virtual learner. Long distance learning has been around for many years and most of us have experienced it in one form or another.
Virtual training—and when we say training, we mean true training which consists of the three phases of instruction: presentation, application, and feedback—is now a common strategy. So how do learners make the most of these live online courses and walk away with the skill set they need?
Here are six tips on how to be an effective virtual learner and make your virtual learning experience the best it can possibly be:
1. Come prepared to learn. By this we mean, understand the objectives of the course before you come to class. Decide on what you need from the course to be successful. Listen closely, particularly when your preferred objectives are covered.
2. Ask questions. Instructors are there to help you learn. If you need clarification, don’t hesitate to come off mute and say so. Chances are that others in the class are also interested in knowing the answer.
3. Complete your pre-work and any intersession work. Not all content can be delivered in a virtual session. Often chunks of content are delegated to independent work. Don’t ignore these exercises as they are an integral part of the training, and they will prepare you for the content in an upcoming session.
4. Complete all technical requirements. The worst thing for a learner in a virtual workshop is to be distracted and disconnected because of technical problems. Ensure you follow the technical directives provided to you so you can focus on learning.
5. Find a quiet place to attend. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially with many of us working from home. Distractions from noise or commotion, however, can limit your ability to have your full attention on learning. A noisy background also distracts other learners, so do your best to mitigate this issue.
6. Be engaged. Engagement is critical to learning but, let’s be honest, not all content is engaging. That, however, doesn’t mean the session can’t be engaging. The more participation by the attendees, the more effective the training. When the Instructor asks a question, try to answer. When there’s group work, collaborate with your team. And remember to support your fellow learners with encouraging comments and feedback.
Sure, training providers want to set their participants up for success. Otherwise, what’s the point of training? However, learners should take ownership of their learning and set themselves up for their own success. This creates a win-win situation and, in turn, a supportive and effective learning environment for all.
What steps do you take to ensure a successful virtual learning experience? We’d love to hear your suggestions!
