Virtual Training & Webinars

In recent years, as technology has developed and Generation Y has entered the workplace (from universities and colleges where learning was already being experienced online), L&D professionals have started to re-think their approaches for the ‘Digital Age’.

As well as traditional eLearning, more organisations are looking at online collaborative learning through virtual classrooms, webinars (webcasts), blogs, chat rooms, simulations and virtual worlds, as well as online independent learning such as VODcasts, PODcasts and mobile learning tools which complement the traditional eCourse.

With the recession putting new pressures on L&D (and travel) budgets, there has been a rapid impetus in some organisations to reduce training costs by moving at least part of their trainer-led programmes to an online environment. As a result, the pressure is now on training professionals to make effective use of technology to design, construct and deliver a meaningful online learning experience that addresses the motivations, needs, learning styles and constraints of learners, while achieving the same learning outcomes as in the classroom.

At Matchett we have been actively designing and delivering virtual training courses and webinars. We offer our clients choice in the way their training programmes are delivered, whilst maintaining high quality facilitation and ensuring the learning outcomes are successfully achieved.

Distinction between a Virtual Classroom and a Webinar, as the way in which the content is designed and delivered will differ. How we’ve distinguished between these 2 forms of online learning event is presented in the table below:

Term	Definition	Design Considerations
Virtual Classroom	A virtual classroom is a learning environment created in the virtual space. It allows learners and trainers to participate in remote learning communities by using their computers to support a collaborative learning process. In a virtual classroom, a number of interactive educational tools, like videos and games are used to enhance the virtual learning experience.	Small number of attendees < 10 All participants use a webcam Personal introductions start of the session PowerPoint slide-deck, with good quality graphics, helps trainer guide session Whiteboard function, replaces classroom use of Flipchart The Group works on exercises both individually and as a team
Webinar	A webinar is typically one-way, from the speaker to the audience with limited audience interaction. A webinar can be collaborative and include polling and question & answer sessions to allow better interaction between the audience and the presenter. The presenter speaks over a standard telephone line, pointing out information being presented on screen and the audience can respond over their own telephones.	Large number of attendees < 10 Only trainer uses webcam/video Participants engage via polls and chat, but may be invited to join a discussion at key points Excellent PowerPoint slide-deck with top quality graphics, animations, integrated video/music

We are able to offer support to your internal trainers in designing and delivering this training medium.
Find out more about our ‘Train the Virtual Trainer’ course.