What are some best practices to deal with technical issues or interruptions during training?

Best practices for handling technical issues during training include preparing backup materials, conducting pre-session tech checks, maintaining calm, communicating clearly with participants, having a tech support contact, and using alternative platforms or tools if necessary.

For us, if we're doing virtual training we have the producer/co-facilitator helping students with technical problems. In the past we've even had our students dial into the system the Friday prior to the class start day to verify everything is working. In the classroom, we setup our classrooms the Friday prior to the start of class and that includes starting up the projectors and instructor's station. I've had a situation where the projector went out during a lesson. Because we are required to know our lessons very well, I just picked up the student guide and walked them through the lesson without the projector. The best part is if I can get a guided discussion going without the distraction of the slides.

Ensure trainers have backup resources, encourage troubleshooting by participants, and maintain open communication channels for swift resolution, keeping the training session running smoothly.

"Dealing with technical issues during training is like navigating a minefield of unexpected surprises—one misstep and boom! ?? To keep the training on track, first, have a backup plan ready, like a parachute for your presentation! ?? Encourage trainees to embrace the hiccups with a sense of humor; after all, laughter is the best tech support! ?? Designate a 'tech guru' in the group who can troubleshoot while you keep the energy high. Consider using interactive elements like discussions or hands-on activities to keep engagement soaring. Remember, flexibility is key—sometimes the best lessons come from overcoming the unexpected! ?? #TrainingSuccess #TechSavvy"

This is happens to every trainer out there, during such situations we can always inform the participants about the technical glitch and ask for few minutes of time to encounter what the technical problem, if you can identify the problem keep them informed you have isolated the issue and will be cleared in few minutes but if you found out its going to take time you can inform the same that you need technical support from the concern team. Keeping them waiting with out any information will make them impatient. You try to make conversation with participants if the training is online, if its offline you can always ask them to wait or give them a break until you clear with your issues.

When we get done with classes we hold a "hot wash" the first Tuesday after our class session. We sit down and go over everything that went right (e.g., great student engagement, students that completed the class with an excellent, etc.) and things that went wrong (e.g., lesson went too long, technical issues, etc.). This gives us a way of sharing what we observed and looking for ways to mitigate problems (if possible) in the future.

Always take your experience as a learning, if you encounter any technical glitch make sure that it does not happens next time. Always ready with the backup solutions, if your plan A is failed you should proceed with plan B. Preparation is the key to improvement. Make a customized check list for every training as per the contents. Make sure you have checked all the points in the check list well before the session. Improvise or revise your checklist after every encounter or glitch experience.