Thanks for a great zoom session.
Some of the best practices that we shared:
To address the challenge of split groups (virtual/live)
- Use Reaction Icons during session (be sure that you show participants how to use them at the beginning of the session)
- Encourage all participants to have laptop/phone and be logged-into session, use CHAT to keep everyone engaged
- Don't go it alone, have a producer, chat monitor, or meeting admin work with you (facilitator) to help with information flow and interactive elements - this can be someone on your team or your client's team
- Place all virtual participants in their own break-out room and allow for others to visit them there (controls in-person session distractions)
- Utilize peer coaching by having partners share phone numbers and complete activities together during the session
To address the challenges of break-out groups:
- Consider whether visiting the breakouts is beneficial to the flow or a distraction, plus you need to re-share sound and reset other options once you leave the main room as the facilitator
- How much time in the break-outs is the right amount? Consider 3 of participants and activity/goal of the breakout. Also, provide clear expectations around groups, timing, and recall
- Upon return of break--out groups to main room, keep break-out groups window open with video window so you can call on participants and scroll feeds
- Consider pre-assigning a group lead to help facilitate the break-out activities as well as report on results
Article-based discussion points:
- Best amount of time for virtual training, depends on session, content, and audience
- 1.5hr -4hr blocks seemed to be consensus ensuring "bridge" activities between training sessions/modules
- Run a pilot prior to sessions, start early to check all technology and equipment, remember to start recording(s) if applicable
- Know the technology and equipment you are using (don't experiment during the session)
- Run dual monitors, one as facilitator other as cohost or participant depending on your goals
- 90/20/4 rule, most content to max of 20min with participant re-engagement every 4min.
- Re-engagement tools:
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- Chat
- Survey/Polls (limit for most effective uses - gaging experience, comparative among participants, direction/focus/priority)
- Whiteboard (interactive, review how to access and the tools prior to use with participants)
- Questions and response via text, share your number with your trainees
- Reactions
- Videos (ensure applicable, best a combo of expertise with graphical context vs. just another speaker speaking)
- Break-out groups (ensure clear instructions for activities and desired outcomes)
Articles we discussed:
https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?m=20617&i=672372&p=42 a Training Magazine Sep/Oct article, The Virtual Trainer (Part 1) p40.
https://www.allbusiness.com/virtual-training-good-bad-truth-23826-1.html
