How can you make online platforms work for Train the Trainer?

1 Choose the right platform

Not all online platforms are created equal. Some offer more features and functionalities than others, such as video, audio, chat, polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and screen sharing. Depending on your training objectives, audience, and content, you need to select the platform that best suits your needs and expectations. Research and compare different options, and test them before you commit. You may also want to consider the cost, reliability, security, and compatibility of the platform with your devices and internet connection.

3 Engage and interact

One of the biggest challenges of online training is to keep your participants engaged and interested throughout the session. You need to use various strategies and techniques to capture and maintain their attention, such as using visuals, stories, examples, humor, and questions. You also need to create opportunities for interaction and collaboration, such as using polls, quizzes, chats, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and feedback forms. You should encourage your participants to share their opinions, experiences, questions, and comments, and acknowledge and respond to them. You should also check their understanding and progress regularly, and provide constructive and timely feedback.

4 Adapt and be flexible

Online training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to adapt your content, methods, and style to suit your online platform, your participants, and your context. You need to be aware of the differences and challenges of online communication, such as the lack of non-verbal cues, the potential for misunderstandings, the risk of distraction, and the need for brevity and clarity. You also need to be flexible and ready to adjust your plan and approach according to the feedback, needs, and preferences of your participants. You should also be prepared to deal with any technical difficulties or unexpected situations that may arise, and have a backup plan in case of emergencies.

5 Evaluate and improve

Online training is a continuous learning process. You need to evaluate your performance and outcomes, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You should collect feedback from your participants, using surveys, forms, chats, or emails. You should also reflect on your own experience, using self-assessment tools, recordings, or notes. You should analyze the feedback and data, and use them to improve your online training skills and strategies. You should also seek opportunities to learn from other online trainers, such as joining online communities, forums, webinars, or courses.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?