January 2021

What you need to know to get started to make virtual training work for
you and your audience.

We all know how pandemic has changed the education system. This pandemic has effectively enforced the global
shutdown of several activities, an educational institute is one of them which has resulted in a sudden shift from the
classroom to virtual learning/e-learning. But here for some universities, it was challenging as they were not
prepared for such a transition, and their online teaching‐learning process evolved gradually. Also closing down of
the university campuses has affected the mental health of university students. News that students are suffering
from depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts were making headlines. Not only students but faculties also
had their struggles while accessing and conducting classes on the online platforms.
We had seen how companies too adapted quickly to the “new normal” transitioning to digital classrooms and work
from home model. Business continuity was the need of the hour, be it educational institutions or companies. As it
is said, learning should never stop, else we as individuals will become obsolete and since humans are the assets
in the organization, organizations will not have skilled employees. It is an era of having a competitive advantage, to
collaborate and thrive.
What probably would have happened in4to 5 years, we are already living it here and now. The onset of a pandemic
drastically accelerated the implementation of digitization, automation, and digitalization in organizations and
institutions.
Let us see the primary goals of digital transformation in higher education institutions:

Given that the shift from the physical classroom to digital or virtual classroom was seen as an imperative option, the
following challenges were being faced.
Challenges of online/digital classes:
• Technical /Technology challenges:
Technical problems are one of the main barriers to online training and this crops in frustration and reduce
student’s engagement towards learning.
• Cyber Security Issues
• Distractions:
The main distraction is the study environment -at home, we do not get the environment we had on the university/work
campus. Also, during online classes, if someone tries to communicate with us over phone/email/messaging
services, we automatically get distracted and we tend to lose focus.

• Understanding concepts in courses :
Somehow, learners who were so very used to learning in the physical classroom ecosystem, find it difficult to
understand the concepts covered in the course. Not receiving quality learnings as they received in their campus
classes, was a major issue. On the other hand, for learners who have been used to Virtual Instructor-Led Training
or e-learning modules (self-paced learning) or Learning Management System or Web-based programs or LXPs,
it would have been slightly better.
Learners have different learning styles and catering to it for ensuring learning impact, learner experience, and
trainer experience is always critical. Hence, a blended approach is always what will be useful for learner experience.
• Staying motivated:
As we discussed earlier, learners are suffering from depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts because they
could not manage themselves well enough by staying motivated for the sudden change in their lives.
This pandemic definitely made both individuals and organizations more resilient.
• Adaptability:
There are various courses learners needed to have practical experience or practice hours or application hours for
example MBBS students, engineering students, working professionals, they need to practice, therefore, adapting
online classes were difficult for them to develop their skills.
How can learners make online classes work?
Accept the change, adapt and adapt and be patient. Pandemic will go someday. Good times will come. But also,
learnings during 2020 should not be well forgotten. Things that worked to our advantage in 2020, must be taken
forward along with the things which had been also good pre-COVID-19.
New models and meta-models may evolve to facilitate information absorption, consumption, practice, application,
and retention.
Here are a few tips:
• Treat online classes as a physical class:
During the online class hours, you need to have the discipline to join online classes on time, sit through, contribute
to the class, participate when Faculty wants you to, like the way you will treat normal physical classes. Dedication
must be there. Whenever you feel low, just remember you are paying for these classes and most importantly if
you missed something valuable it will be your loss and you cannot blame anyone.
• Practice Time Management:
Always try to provide specific time to look out for your required readings, assignments, and online discussions.
Keep balance in between coursework and your other obligations. Most importantly sleep on time as it is essential
to rest your body and keep your mind fresh for the next day.
• Stay organized:
Being organized makes everything easier. Find a quiet space for attending online class, and make a routine. Look
at your syllabi pattern and make a plan to work on it. Try to make hard copies of your learning materials and
familiarize yourself with the syllabus to understand easily.
• Remove distractions:
Firstly, you need to seat alone during the lecture hour to listen more effectively, Secondly, silence all nonessential
notifications from your personal computer or laptop, and block access to distracting websites.
o Have a dedicated work desk
o Proper equipment, accessories, and systems to work
• Actively participate:
Most of the time it seems that participants are not responding, they are not active in the Q & A round, they did not try
to participate in these kinds of activities. Try to give answers and ask questions if there is any doubt.
How can Faculties make online classes work?

Here are a few tips:
• Frequent Communication: Communicate through the session, give them some task, ask interesting
questions, tell students to lead discussions and remain responsive to the student.
• Put extra effort: Keep updating students about what will be discussed tomorrow and what had been
discussed yesterday, give them a summary introduction before deep learning.
• Encourage learners: Motivate your students by telling them a short and inspiring story related to struggle
and success. Motivate them to adopt a new study environment.
• Introduce various Training Methodologies (Cognitive and Experiential) to engage and interact: Try to give
a lecture with a PowerPoint presentation, make an interesting presentation with relevant activities, quiz,
gamification, etc. to engage and draw learners’ attention. Also, share tutorial/course material with the
learners for a better understanding of the course.
• Need to be hands-on with presentation tools and virtual meeting platforms

o Have a dedicated work desk
o Quiet corner of your room
o Proper equipment, accessories, and systems to work
o Internet connectivity
o Whiteboard
o Headset/speaker

• Record Lecture: Record the whole lecture and share it – if anyone wants more specification he or she
can learn from the recorded lecture.
Online classes are a great option. Why so?

Recorded session:
If you want to listen or see a lecture you can listen or see from a recorded session. This is not possible in physical
classes or if you missed any session you can recover it from recording.
Easy to make notes:
When you record the session, you can pause or re-watch as per your requirement, you can see those videos

unlimited times. There are no limitations, and you can make effective notes for your reference later.
Lowers Travel/Venue/Miscellaneous cost:
You can save money by doing online classes as you don’t have to pay on transportation fare, meal plans and if
your company/institution is far away from your home you can save money.
Accessibility of Time and Place:
It allows students to be present at classes from any location of their choice, instead of being restricted by
geographical limitations.
We know unplanned and rapid move to online learning is difficult, but we can make a smooth transition to online
learning by using the above strategies and tips.

Ethics in the Digital World:

Following certain principles help.

Successful people are those who accept and adapt to constant change. Adaptability is important for the future of
work. Developing your adaptability can also develop other soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills.
Try the above strategy and tips to make effective online learning.