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Even when you’re proactive, and have everything set up, there are times when things just don’t go according to plan. I’ve found this to be true in the virtual classroom (VC) as well. Even though I prepare for my online sessions ahead of time, things can go in another direction when the session goes live—especially when technology is involved.
As a virtual classroom producer, I use our workshop preparation checklist to prepare. That way, if I identify an issue during set-up, at least I have some time to fix the problem before the session begins. But what about the times when something goes awry during the live session? Allow me to share my top three “stay calm and carry on” tips.
Stay Calm
This one can be particularly hard when you’re multi-tasking. Try to avoid your learners knowing you are in a panic. Try to resolve the issue as soon as it comes up. And, keep in mind, it’s best to limit your time away from the content and what the reason your learners are there. We recommend spending just a minute or two troubleshooting with a participant. Your producer can always take over via private chat or even meet with the attendee in a breakout room, if necessary.
Have a Contingency Plan
It’s always good to have a backup plan, especially in the virtual classroom. If an attendee is having technical issues (e.g., can’t connect their computer, audio, or webcam) and it lasts for 10 minutes or more, have a contingency plan in place to ensure they have access to the content they missed. My recommendation here would be to record your virtual sessions and send the link to the recording to the learner post-session. That way, they can catch up on what they missed before the next session.
Advocate for a Producer
Virtual classroom facilitators are out there on the front lines making sure their learners are engaged. With the addition of a producer, the VC experience is even more memorable for the attendees. If you don’t already have a second set of hands to help deliver your virtual courses, share the benefits of having a producer with your stakeholders. As a producer myself, I know firsthand how crucial the role is. My facilitators can give their full attention to the attendees, while I manage things behind the scenes and, of course, help resolve any technical issues that arise. It’s also nice for the learners to hear a second voice from time to time.
So, this is my approach. How do you manage technical issues that arise in the virtual classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Looking to facilitate the virtual classroom with ease? The Virtual Trainer workshop covers all the key skills in five interactive sessions! If you’re a VC producer, don’t miss The Virtual Classroom Producer workshop.
