How do you make virtual training interactive?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to make your virtual training interactive is to choose a platform that suits your learning objectives, content, and audience. There are many options available, from webinars and video conferences to e-learning and gamification. The best platform should allow you to share your screen, audio, and video, as well as use chat, polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, and other features to create interaction and feedback. You should also consider the accessibility, reliability, and security of the platform, as well as the technical support and training it provides.

2 Design for engagement

The next step is to design your virtual training session with engagement in mind. This means you should have a clear and relevant learning outcome, a logical and concise structure, and a variety of activities and materials. You should also plan how to use the platform's features to facilitate interaction and collaboration among your learners, such as asking questions, sharing experiences, giving examples, solving problems, and working on projects. You should also include regular breaks, summaries, and check-ins to maintain attention and retention.

3 Prepare your learners

Another important step is to prepare your learners for the virtual training session. You should communicate the learning objectives, agenda, expectations, and instructions before the session, and provide any pre-work or resources they need to access. You should also make sure they have the necessary equipment, software, and internet connection to join the session, and test them beforehand. You should also encourage them to create a comfortable and distraction-free learning environment, and to participate actively and respectfully during the session.

4 Deliver with enthusiasm

The final step is to deliver your virtual training session with enthusiasm and professionalism. You should start the session by welcoming your learners, introducing yourself and the topic, and setting the ground rules and norms. You should also use your voice, body language, and facial expressions to convey your passion and confidence, and to create rapport and trust with your learners. You should also use the platform's features to monitor and manage the interaction and feedback, and to adapt to your learners' needs and preferences. You should also end the session by reviewing the key points, providing action steps, and thanking your learners.

5 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?