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HOW TO AVOID
!BEWARE VIRTUAL
CLASSROOM PITFALLS
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., Revised 2020. All rights reserved.2
Virtual classroom is an engaging and cost-
effective, travel-free option for delivering training to a
widely-dispersedaudience.
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We want to set you up for success!
What are the top 10 pitfalls to avoid when transitioning to
virtual classroom?
© Development Dimensions International, Inc., Revised 2020. All rights reserved.4
Not having a GOALfor your virtual classroom implementation
1PITFALL
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REALITY: Virtual classroom may or may not be right for your needs.
Ask yourself three
plunge.
criticalquestions before you
take the
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1. Is it clear as to why you are using virtual classroom?
2. Are you looking to replace or amplify traditional classroom training?
3. What results are expected?
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Not setting learner expectations
2PITFALL
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(Let your learners in on the secret)
Virtual Classroom
≠Webinar
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Virtual classroom engageslearners in active listening.
Learners acquire knowledge through interactivity with the platform, facilitator, and with
one another.
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Failing to providean appropriate virtual classroom learning
environment
This isnot correct
3PITFALL
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“Just gather in the conference room
and project the virtual classroom
session,” -said no facilitator ever.
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To optimize participation and focus…Every learner should have his/her own computer and phone line (and private space to learn).
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Lacking knowledgeof web conferencing platforms
4PITFALL
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• A technical snafu can derail and undermine the credibility of an otherwise well-designed virtual classroom course.
• After learning leaders select the right platform, at least one person on the team needs to become thego-to expert who understands the platform’s capabilities & can troubleshoot when needed.
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Not having a plan for selecting, training, and monitoring facilitators
5PITFALL
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A good traditionalclassroom facilitator…
…a good virtualclassroom facilitator.
is notalways
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When creating a success profile for virtual classroom facilitators, make sure you
build in affinities for communicating virtually
and working with technology.
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The right skill set is step one.
Keep facilitators sharp and help them develop new skills, observe them in action and provide ongoing feedback.
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Not using a producer
6PITFALL
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To help facilitators keep their undivided attention on
learners’ needs, it’s best to use a producer who can
operate the platform, address technical issues, and keep
things running smoothly.
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Lacking learner engagement in the session
7PITFALL
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• Avoid>2 “tell” slides in a row
• Discourage multitasking; include opportunities to use chat, annotation, feedback, and breakout rooms.
Interactivityis critical:
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Not providing course
materials
8PITFALL
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Virtual learners get thesame benefits from reading
accompanying content, jotting down notes, and completing
exercises as learners in a traditional setting.
Don’t skip the course journals!
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Not piloting the course before launch
9PITFALL
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You only have one chance to make a good first impression!
Get a group together to pilot aspects of virtual classroom to find out
what works and what won’t.
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Not practicing
1PITFALL
0
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Practice before you teach!
The key to any kind of facilitation (and most things in life):
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
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Ready to takeyour training virtual?
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CHAT: www.ddiworld.com EMAIL: [email protected]
CALL: +1 (800) 933-4463
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