The Virtual Trainer

For trainers who are currently delivering, or expected to deliver, synchronous/virtual classroom training. The workshop is also recommended for instructional designers/developers who want to gain a solid understanding of the unique needs that apply to the virtual classroom. Note: While it isn’t mandatory, we do recommend you have fundamental knowledge and experience with instructor-led training techniques.

• Prepare to be a VC trainer. 
• Start a course. 
• Engage learners.
• Present engaging visuals. 
• Employ effective speaking skills. 
• Read the group and adjust to their needs. 
• Ask and answer questions. 
• Use synchronous software tools. 
• Co-teach with a producer. 
• Manage scheduling and timing issues. 
• Deal with difficult behaviors. 
• Handle unexpected issues in the virtual classroom.
• Close out the session/course.
• Prepare for online delivery.

This workshop will show you how to leverage, adapt, and transition your skills and experience as a traditional classroom trainer to the virtual classroom (VC). Throughout the first four sessions you will have the opportunity to use the synchronous tools while practicing the core delivery skills of a virtual trainer. These practice opportunities are designed to progressively build your skills and confidence towards your final 10-minute teaching session during session 5.

Session 1

• The 3 most important steps to becoming a virtual trainer.
• Starting a virtual course “on the right foot.”
• 6 proven tips to engage your learners throughout the course.
• How to build rapport in the virtual classroom.
• 7 practical tips for presenting engaging visuals.
• How to interact with your visuals.
• Why your voice is your most important asset in the virtual classroom.
• How to project confidence and enthusiasm with your voice.
• How to paint a vivid picture with descriptive language.
• 35 tips and techniques to perfect your voice for online delivery.

Session 2

• How to read learners (if you can’t see them).
• The art of asking powerful questions in the virtual classroom.
• How to tell when a learner has a question.
• 4 fundamental approaches for answering learners’ questions.
• How to minimize going off topic.
• The importance of having a producer.
• Why you should avoid teaching solo in the virtual classroom.
• How to be in-tune with your producer.
• Best practices for co-teaching with a producer.
• How to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• 15 tips to stay on schedule and avoid time wasters.

Session 3

• How to prevent problem behaviors before they erupt.
• 10 great tips for separating the problem behavior from the learner.
• An arsenal of techniques for handling problem people.
• When to intervene (and when not to).
• How to apply a simple yet effective intervention approach.
• 5 effective techniques for mitigating unexpected issues.
• What to do when technical issues arise.
• How to deal with just about any and every technical glitch.
• The best way to prepare your learners for virtual courses.
• Why a troubleshooting guide is so critical.
• How to stay calm when it seems impossible.

Session 4

• The most common issues for a new VC trainer and how to overcome them.
• 12 tips for ending a virtual session smoothly.
• A structured step-by-step plan to prepare yourself for every online delivery.
• How to run proper rehearsals before you go live.
• The factors to consider when building contingencies into your lesson plan.
• How to deal with unexpected timing, flow, and content-related issues.
• 7 simple steps for closing out a course.
• 10 key “survival” tips for the virtual trainer.
  

Session 5

• Apply what you have learned by facilitating a 10-minute teaching session.
• Give feedback to your peers on the performance of their teaching session.
• Receive feedback from your peers and the instructor.
• Wrap up the workshop!

Note: Additional after-hours practice opportunities in the virtual classroom will be available for learners to schedule between sessions 1 and 5.

• An opportunity to apply what you have learned by facilitating a 10-minute synchronous teaching session. You will receive detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement from your peers and the instructor, as well as a link to your recorded session.
• All the worksheets, checklists, and forms in Microsoft® Word template format. Simply download them from your personal My Langevin website.
• 90-day access to all recorded online sessions including your 10-minute teaching session.
• Free 1-year feedback service. Send us a recording of yourself instructing a virtual classroom session and we will give you detailed feedback to further develop your skills. 

This dynamic workshop uses a blended approach. We combine 5 synchronous online sessions with offline self-paced activities. You will spend time live, online learning and practicing the key skills and techniques of a virtual trainer. Also, 6 to 8 hours of intersession work will be required to round out your knowledge and skills.

Maximum Class Size: 15 participants (We limit class size to ensure maximum value and participation for our clients.)

• Log in to our Adobe Connect platform using a standard web browser and access the audio for the workshop using a telephone and headset (or ear buds with a microphone). A toll-free teleconference number will be provided.
• Expect an engaging, highly interactive, hands-on workshop with plenty of practice opportunities using breakout rooms, chat, polls, whiteboard annotation tools, etc.
• Review recordings of each session for up to 3 months after the workshop ends.