The Virtual Classroom

Synchronous e-learning. Online presentations. Webcasts, web conferences, webinars. Whatever you call it, whichever form it takes, the ‘virtual classroom’ is a central part of the modern training experience. It’s a training and communication channel that’s here to stay. Why?
- ability to connect learners spread over a wide area: no longer do learners have to be sitting in the same room as the trainer/presenter, or as each other
- sense of immediacy and camaraderie across the business: connections can be built and relationships formed, throughout the geographical spread of your organization, or your client group
- the platforms are getting better all the time: unique features of web classrooms include annotating whiteboard exercises, real-time polling, and recording and playback of key aspects of the session
- ability to ‘get inside’ a user’s computer: a presenter can take a real hands-on approach, getting access (if granted) to other computers in order to demonstrate certain difficult-to-describe concepts
- cost-effectiveness: studies have shown that up to 70% of an organization’s training budget goes on travel and meeting arrangements, factors completely cut out by the virtual classroom (Hyder et al 10)

Here’s a preview of a new tool that e-coaches is developing to enable all trainers - no matter what their background or skills level - to get the most out of any online training or presenting opportunity.