How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls

© Development Dimensions International, Inc., MMXIV. All rights reserved.1
VIRTUAL
CLASSROOM
PITFALLS
HOW TO AVOID

Virtual classroom is a
fantastic travel-free option
for delivering training to a
globally-dispersed
audience.

Unfortunately,
many organizations
jump into virtual
classroom without
proper planning.

Beware of ten pitfalls
to avoid when
transitioning
into virtual.
!
PITFALLS

Not having a GOAL
for your virtual classroom
implementation
1
PITFALL

REALITY: Virtual classroom may
or may not be right for your needs.
Ask yourself
three
plunge.
critical
questions
before you
take the

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?

Not setting learner
expectations
2
PITFALL

(Let your learners in on the secret)
Virtual Classroom
≠
Webinar

Virtual classroom engages
learners in active listening.
Learners acquire knowledge
through interactivity with the
platform, facilitator, and with
one another.

Failing to provide
an appropriate virtual
classroom learning
environment
This is
not correct
3
PITFALL

“Just gather in
the conference room
and project the
virtual classroom
session,”
-said no facilitator ever.

To optimize
participation
and focus…
Every learner should
have his/her own
computer and phone
line (and private space
to learn).

Lacking knowledge
of web conferencing platforms
4
PITFALL

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 the
go-to expert who
understands the platform’s
capabilities & can
troubleshoot when needed.

Not having a plan for selecting,
training, and monitoring
facilitators
5
PITFALL

A good traditional
classroom facilitator…
…a good virtual
classroom facilitator.
is not
always

When creating a success
profile for virtual classroom
facilitators, make sure you
build in affinities for
communicating virtually
and working with technology.

The right skill set is step one.
Keep facilitators sharp and help
them develop new skills,
observe them
in action and
provide ongoing
feedback.

Not using a producer
6
PITFALL

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.

Lacking learner
engagement in the
session
7
PITFALL

• Avoid
>2 “tell” slides in a row
• Discourage
multitasking;
include opportunities
to use chat, annotation,
feedback, and
breakout rooms.
Interactivity
is critical:

Not providing
course
materials
8
PITFALL

Virtual learners get the
same benefits from reading
accompanying content, jotting
down notes, and completing
exercises as learners in a
traditional setting.
Don’t skip the course journals!

Not piloting
the course before launch
9
PITFALL

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.

Not practicing
1
PITFALL
0

Practice before you teach!
The key to any kind
of facilitation (and most
things in life):
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Ready to take
your training virtual?

DDI does virtual…
and
avoid the pitfalls.
Experience how
Learn More at
http://www.ddiworld.com/virtualclassroom

How to Avoid 10 Virtual Classroom Pitfalls

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