Is a Virtual Classroom Enough

WRITTEN October 4, 2023 Author: Patricia McCormack

As a corporate education provider, we found ourselves having to adjust our methods over the years. When we started, all of our trainings were held in-person and onsite. We had given a few online classes by request, but it was not our focus. The question was always hanging there, is a virtual classroom enough?

In 2020, that choice was taken away from us. During the pandemic and lockdown, we used our knowledge, teaching skills, and available technology to start using the virtual classroom.

Virtual Training with Small Classes and Interactive Instruction

Overall, the landscape of education and professional development has undergone a significant transformation. Virtual training has enhanced traditional in-person training sessions and one-way webinar lectures. This is especially true for smaller online classes where interactive instruction is possible.

As video technology improved, people wanted more flexible learning options. Due to restrictions on in-person activities, online learning had to go beyond just webinars or pre-recorded videos. Interactive instruction had to change to overcome distance challenges and make learning better.

Virtual training with small class sizes is highly accessible. Participants from different locations can easily join a virtual classroom, saving time and money on travel. This brings together a diverse group of learners, enriching the learning experience with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. This inclusivity is especially valuable in subjects like Diversity instruction, creating a global environment to reflect our interconnected world.

Participation is the Key (Isn’t It Always?)

Video conferencing in virtual training sessions makes it easy for participants to interact and learn. They can have real-time discussions, share ideas, and do activities together. For example, they can practice public speaking in front of a virtual audience and get feedback right away. They can also work together during a leadership training to focus on case studies and team projects using features like whiteboards and file sharing. This helps them gain practical experience and collaborate effectively.

The use of webcams during virtual training sessions is vital to enhance the engagement and accountability of participants. When the camera is on, learners are more likely to be present. Ultimately, when they actively participate, it will promote a sense of responsibility for their own learning.

Virtual training is a great way to grow and improve your skills. As technology keeps getting better, virtual training is becoming even more important in education and professional development. It’s a valuable tool in our fast-paced world.

THE FLIPSIDE: THE BENEFITS OF IN-PERSON

While virtual classes have been a boon, numerous benefits still exist from in-person training programs.

  1. Enhanced Learning Experience: In-person training is a great way to learn. It offers a dynamic and immersive environment. Face-to-face you can talk to the instructors and get personalized guidance. You can also interact with your colleagues and have individual discussions. This encourages learning from different viewpoints and shared knowledge.
  2. Networking and Relationship Building: Participants in a classroom are able to connect directly with people, sometimes from different departments or organizations. Expanding that professional network can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and the exchange of valuable ideas beyond the training program itself.
  3. Skill Development and Practical Application: Being in-person in a classroom can allow greater emphasis in hands-on learning and practical application of skills like their real-life workplace scenarios. 
  4. Motivation and Engagement: The collective energy and enthusiasm of participants can foster a sense of camaraderie and inspiration, ensuring higher retention rates and application of the learned concepts. 

Focused and interactive training sessions help people network and build relationships. It also encourages them to use the skills they’ve learned in practical ways. When you invest in training like this, it leads to higher productivity, happier employees, and overall success. Each organization needs to choose the teaching method that works best for them.


If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of the public classes.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

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