How can you train virtual teams across locations and time zones?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to train virtual teams is to choose a platform that suits your needs and preferences. You want a platform that is easy to use, reliable, secure, and compatible with different devices and browsers. You also want a platform that offers features such as video conferencing, screen sharing, chat, polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, and feedback. Some examples of popular platforms for virtual training are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Adobe Connect.

2 Schedule wisely

The second step to train virtual teams is to schedule your sessions wisely. You need to consider the time zones, availability, and preferences of your learners. You also need to balance the frequency, duration, and intensity of your sessions. You don't want to overload your learners with too much information or too many sessions. You also don't want to lose their attention or engagement with too long or too boring sessions. A good practice is to schedule shorter and more frequent sessions, with breaks and activities in between.

3 Design interactively

The third step to train virtual teams is to design your sessions interactively. You need to use a variety of methods and media to deliver your content and engage your learners. You can use videos, slides, podcasts, infographics, games, simulations, case studies, and scenarios to make your sessions more dynamic and relevant. You can also use interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, chat, Q&A, and breakout rooms to encourage participation, collaboration, and feedback. You want to create a sense of community and connection among your learners, even if they are physically apart.

4 Facilitate effectively

The fourth step to train virtual teams is to facilitate your sessions effectively. You need to have the skills and confidence to lead and manage your virtual sessions. You need to set clear expectations and ground rules for your learners, such as how to use the platform, how to communicate, how to ask questions, and how to give feedback. You also need to monitor and support your learners, by checking their understanding, addressing their concerns, acknowledging their contributions, and providing constructive feedback. You want to create a positive and supportive learning environment for your virtual teams.

5 Evaluate continuously

The fifth step to train virtual teams is to evaluate your sessions continuously. You need to measure the effectiveness and impact of your virtual training, both for yourself and for your learners. You need to collect and analyze data on the attendance, participation, engagement, satisfaction, learning outcomes, and performance improvement of your learners. You can use surveys, quizzes, tests, interviews, observations, and analytics to gather and interpret this data. You also need to use this data to improve your virtual training, by identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your sessions.

6 Adapt flexibly

The sixth step to train virtual teams is to adapt flexibly. You need to be aware and responsive to the changing needs and preferences of your learners and your organization. You need to be open and willing to try new tools, strategies, and methods to enhance your virtual training. You also need to be flexible and resilient to cope with the challenges and uncertainties of working and learning remotely. You want to be a lifelong learner and a continuous improver of your virtual training skills.

7 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?