How to Choose the Right Training Solution cont.
Virtual Classrooms
Virtual Classroom learning is a combination of pure e-learning
and traditional instructor-led training. In a virtual classroom,
the learning is instructor-led over the Web. Participants are not
physically in one place, but they all are online at the same time
as the instructor and also get the benefit of each other’s
virtual presence. Virtual classrooms can provide the benefits of
the traditional classroom to large numbers of people without incurring
the usual costs (e.g., facilities, travel expenses, etc.) and logistical
inconveniences.
However, for a virtual classroom solution to work, as much classroom
interaction as possible should be replicated online. Instructors
and participants should be able hear each other, via streaming
of audio over the Web or via a phone hookup. Ideally, the instructor
would also be seen (and even the participants if they so choose)
via Webcam.
Participants should also be able to see the presentation and
materials, and any live additions the instructor chooses to make.
Instructors and participants should be able to communicate, either
with public question and answer periods or with filtered questions
via some form of chat (e.g., IM). Virtual classes are also easily
recorded and can be viewed at any time and are not limited by the
size of a physical class.
The opportunities are limitless, as are the alternative approaches
to custom learning solutions. Of course any of these approaches
can be blended in any way in a single learning solution, making
the possibilities even more interesting!
As Envision works with you to assess your training needs and
create a custom training solution, we will help you select the
learning approach that gets you the best bang for your buck.
Now let's look at some of the key
drivers that affect the nature and scope of training solutions
and their costs.
|
