lI am planning to convert a program on designing accelerated learning training to a virtual medium. And I’m very nervous about it, I must admit.
Previously, someone asked if I could facilitate my train the trainer program virtually and I said a categoric “no.” You can read about this in an earlier Tip, #817.
Talk about a steep learning curve! And I thought learning how to use PowerPoint 16 years ago was a big stretch!!
What I’ll Miss
I know I’m going to miss:
- the energy of the room,
- all the bells and whistles,
- tabletop toys (no Koosh balls, no pipe cleaners- no candy on the tables!),
- wonderful movement activities, and
- social interaction.
I’m going to miss modeling how to facilitate activities and engaging all the participants’ senses. Quite honestly, I’m going to miss prancing around the room to see what’s going on in the groups! But training is important. That means training must learn to thrive in this virtual world. And that means I must learn and grow new skills.
How to Use a Virtual Medium
Various platforms have their own bells and whistles. I’m interested to see how creative I can be! I’m thinking that I’m going to have to provide a lot of explanations and descriptions. I’ll use the breakout rooms for pairs, triads, and groups of five or more. I’m already planning how to replicate movement activities. It will be great if the platform I use will allow breakout rooms to either use a white board or view someone’s screen for all the group work.
I’m already imagining the energy and persistence I’ll need to wrestle the material into a virtual format that is creative, engaging and effective. I want to come up with a way to raise the energy of the participants and keep it high.
If you have converted a face-to-face train-the-trainer program or any soft skill face-to-face training program to a virtual program and are willing to share what you learned, I would much appreciate it!
Stay safe and please wish me persistence, creativity and luck!
If you would like a virtual or classroom Accelerated Learning Training program, please book a call to discuss it at https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
