Your virtual training platform suddenly crashes. How do you ensure your session stays on track?

As a trainer, I always try to have some backup plan. Such backup may include sharing training materials ahead of sessions. Alternatively, I can also use activity based training eg role plays. I would also push for peer to peer engagement which reduces centralisation of the training to myself or the virtual platform.

After putting time, preparation, and effort into a virtual training, it's disappointing when it crashes! Not to worry! Try and get a hold of the attendees as quickly as possible to let them know the situation and what you are doing to get the training back on course as quickly as possible. If the virtual space company is having technical difficulties and giving errors, you can pose some options to attendees and if all fails, reschedule the training. You might need to switch to a Plan B if the virtual training space isn't working the way you desired. Though lecture style might not be the way you desire to hold the meeting, it might be the only option. Give attendees (and yourself) the choice. Let attendees know you'll be available for Q&A

Though virtual tools are easily accessible, as a trainer/facilitator we must have the ability to adapt to certain situations like this. Having a backup plan is always nice and handy. So in doing preparations we must come up with a strategy to move things forward even doing some activities offline. In addition, thinking on your feet while staying calm in these situations can make the difference between making or breaking the learning experience for the learners. Therefore allowing yourself to do the best that you can to adapt and address the situation really matters.

- Stay Calm: Reassure participants and maintain composure. - Backup Plan: Use an alternative platform like Zoom or Teams, pre-prepared for such incidents. - Communicate Quickly: Inform participants via email or messaging about the switch and provide new access details. - Offline Resources: Distribute slides, documents, or videos for participants to review independently. - Reschedule: Arrange a follow-up session if needed to cover missed content.

In my experience as a Training professional, handling a virtual training platform crash requires quick thinking and a proactive approach to ensure the session stays on track. First, communicate immediately with participants via email or a messaging app, explaining the situation and providing a temporary plan. Have a backup platform ready, such as Zoom or Teams, and share the new meeting link. If transitioning isn't feasible, pivot to an email-based or phone conference session. Provide downloadable materials and assignments to keep participants engaged while the issue is resolved. Utilize this opportunity to emphasize adaptability and resilience, turning a potential setback into a powerful teaching moment.

Troubleshooting is basically the first course of action. However in times when technology fails, and no quick resolution can be done. The facilitator must intervene and do certain adjustments. These adjustments can be one of the following or a combination: -rescheduling/extension of the training timelines -Content delivery, can be done by recording videos for delivery and sending out follow-up resources and instructions -Adjusted activities that suits offline and self-paced learning -Utilizing tools for interaction and knowledge checking These can be some helpful tips that if mastered and threaded carefully during tech breakdowns can save and continue the learning experience.

I prepare interactive PDF guides that can be distributed in case of platform failure. These guides can include hyperlinks, embedded videos, and interactive elements to keep participants engaged.

Design offline activities that participants can work on independently if the session cannot continue. These activities should reinforce the session’s objectives and provide meaningful learning experiences.

Communication can be an understatement in this kind of situation. Clearly identifying the issues and communicating the next steps are crucial for the learners so they would know what to expect and thus adapt as well to the situation

It's important to acknowledge the complexities of ensuring a seamless virtual learning session, as there are numerous factors beyond our control. From web hosting services and internet connectivity to varying devices, time zones, and background noises, these elements can all impact the session. Despite these challenges, it's crucial to maintain focus on delivering planned content while also being adaptable to accommodate these factors.