Embracing Virtual Learning: People to People
We have learned a lot through the pandemic from how to rely on others to offering much grace to each other in today’s workforce. Yes, it has been a hard transition, but a lot of positives have come out as well.
As humans, we learned we can “do” anything that is put in our path. We can persevere. We can make it through tough times. Was it glorious? No. Was it hard? Yes … but we did it … that says something! Virtual learning has been around a long time … 20+ years in fact. And for all those years we in the industry have spent countless hours trying to convince people that virtual learning, when done right, can transform into TRUE learning where learners walk away with transfer of knowledge and excitement to implement the new skills and tools.
Fast forward … the Pandemic forced the minds of all humans to embrace Virtual Learning. We learned:
Technology is a GREAT tool when used appropriately and with purpose.
Learners are resilient.
Virtual connection is possible and true learning CAN happen.
To always be camera ready because you never know when you might have to turn it on – but should we?
The importance of interaction and collaboration in life as well as in learning is vital to creating learning transfer.
Virtual learning does not mean you lose sight of what is most important in training – the people. The more you focus on the people, NOT the camera and technology, the more impact any training can have on learning transfer.
We know as humans we are a social species and ultimately need the direct connection with others to function at a high level … We at InSync believe that although we are moving away from in-person learning … we are NOT moving away from the human connection. We believe in a PEOPLE TO PEOPLE approach where all learners can connect content, through technology, with each other.
Virtual learning at InSync Training syncs with the best of brain science allowing for more activities, more human connection through high level interaction, and collaboration. Gone are the days of increasing the digital image (i.e., more PowerPoint slides) and using cameras to measure learner engagement. We need to develop strategic techniques to allow the slides to spring learners into conversation, transform trainers into true facilitators of the knowledge in the room and cameras into purposeful tools used to enhance the interaction and collaboration vs. exhaust the group as they stare aimlessly into the computer screen.
Virtual excellence is within reach by following this People-to-People approach!
InSync’s People-to-People Approach:
- Identify learner intent
- Let the intent drive the instruction
- Let the instruction lead to the application
- Let the application ensure practice
- Let the practice determine mastery
Keep all training about the people, connect early and often, make eye contact when necessary but most importantly, stay TUNED in to the audience’s nonverbal cues. Stop, look, and listen to the learners regularly and customize your training to meet the needs of all learners. Our job as virtual facilitators is not to only teach content but to connect the dots of learning for all learners. After all, you want your learners walking out of training with tangible tools/techniques that can make a difference in the work they do day-to-day!
About the Author
Karen Vieth is InSync Training’s Vice President of Virtual Learning Services where she and her team specialize in live, virtual, and blended learning. She has been in the virtual training field for more than twenty years and has delivered a variety of training programs designed to engage learners, elevate performance, and improve productivity. Karen has a passion for training and enjoys sharing her knowledge with an energetic and creative approach to help individuals and organizations achieve results. Through storytelling and sharing real-life experiences, she makes learning inspiring and effective. She is a certified coach and is also Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) certified which she uses her knowledge about psychological type preferences to develop successful strategies for her clients. Karen is a pioneer in virtual training dating back to 1996 where she started her career in Academia and since has moved into corporate training. Her background includes graduating Summa cum Laude with a Master of Educational Leadership and Curriculum which allows her knowledge of adult learning Principles to enrich the classes she teaches as well as design meaningful content to be delivered both in person and online. Her superpower is coaching others to be the best in virtual education.