BYOD: Virtual Training: Master the Tech, Engage Participants!

Virtual training, though commonplace in our world today, remains challenging and at times, boring. Instructional designers and trainers need to learn how to design and deliver activities that use the features in ways that do not overwhelm everyone. Virtual training is most effective when a solid design is in place, one that makes the best use of the unique features available in the web conferencing platforms we use today. The art of virtual training design and delivering combines a unique skill set of engaging learning practices applied to deep platform knowledge.  It’s not the features that engage, but it is most certainly the way we use them that will… or also, will not!

Through discussion, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation, we will participate in several example activities, including a sample escape game. As we experience each one, we will analyze what worked, what features were used, how it would be done using other platforms, and what was necessary to have in place so that everyone—learner, trainer, and anyone else involved—has what they need to be successful. By the end of this session, you will be able to confidently create engaging virtual training that creatively and effectively uses the features of the platform. You will walk away armed with examples ready to use, as well as a process for creating their own learning activities, on their content, for your learners, and using their own platforms.

In this session, you will learn:

• How to apply the “ACT Framework” to learn and manage web conferencing platforms
• How to define and identify strategies for engagement  the modern virtual learner
• How to create effective learning activities
• How to consider escape game strategy as a method for application of complex learning topics

Technology discussed:

Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, Adobe Connect, Mentimeter (and others like it), Padlet (and others like it)

Participant technology requirements:

A laptop with the latest version of Zoom Meetings downloaded. PC and Mac are both acceptable.