In recent years, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has been gaining immense popularity, transforming the way people learn and acquire new skills. With the convenience and accessibility of online learning, there is now a course available for about anything you can imagine—from professional development to personal hobbies. Whether you’re looking to upskill for your career or explore a new interest, virtual instructor-led training provides the flexibility of learning from anywhere, while still maintaining the structure and guidance of an instructor. It’s clear that this approach to education is reshaping the future of learning, making high-quality instruction more accessible to people around the world. 

But you may be wondering how to bring your own VILT course to life, or even become a non-negotiable course of interest in your field. Check out these six strategies that can take your course from drab to fab in a few impactful ways: 

1. Craft a Captivating Opening
   Just like the first chapter of a gripping novel, the opening of your VILT session sets the tone. Grab your participants’ attention from the start with an engaging icebreaker, by telling a story, or asking an intriguing question. A lively start creates a sense of anticipation, making learners eager to dive into the content.  

2. Embrace Interactivity & Collaboration
   Say goodbye to the passive learning of yesteryear. Infuse your VILT sessions with interactivity and a culture of collaboration to keep participants tuned in. Use polls, quizzes, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions to ensure active engagement. When learners actively participate, they’re not just watching; they’re absorbing and applying knowledge. Don’t be afraid to let the virtual room buzz with collaborative energy – creating a sense of community enhances the learning experience. Take it from one of our clients, Paula: 

“At ELI, we recognize that participant engagement is critical in the learning process, especially in a virtual environment,” said Paula Garlen, Managing Vice President of Learning Solutions at ELI. “Our extensive research led to our best practice of providing a change in interaction every 3 to 5 minutes. This can be done via exercises, in-class discussion between facilitator and participants, polling, breakout activities, and even through the variety of camera views and spotlights we choose during each session. We believe this practice is one of the reasons our post-session surveys consistently show positive results.” 

3. Be Technically Prepared
   Technical glitches can be an unwelcome distraction for your virtual training sessions. Be sure to prepare for the worst, while planning for the best. Familiarize yourself with the platform you’re using, test your equipment and connection beforehand, schedule run-throughs if necessary, and have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. A smooth tech experience ensures that your session runs seamlessly, allowing you to focus on delivering stellar content. 

“When it comes to producing a Virtual Training session, technical preparation is key. I am always 30-60 minutes early with the Facilitator (Instructor) to run through the presentation, sound, audio, and any polls or materials. I’ve also found that templating responses for common technical difficulties that may come up is quite helpful when attendees encounter problems mid-session. This helps keep the focus on the training, learning and discussion vs. the tech.” – Mary Cecil, vLink Solutions Producer  

4. Energize with Variety and Visuals
   A text-heavy, monotonous presentation will surely result in disengaged viewers (AKA: snoozers.) Sprinkle your VILT sessions with vibrant visuals to complement your content. Use slides, infographics, and videos to convey information in a visually appealing way while limiting text as much as possible. Use different activities, a variety of formats, and surprise your learners with unexpected elements. A diverse and dynamic session helps enhance the viewers understanding of the content while keeping the energy high and boredom at bay.  

5. Break It Down, Chunk It Up
   Long monologues are the arch-nemesis of knowledge retention. Instead, break down your content into digestible “chunks”. Each chunk should cover a specific topic or concept. This approach not only makes the information more manageable but also facilitates better retention while ensuring your viewers have an opportunity to take breaks as needed. Remember, learners are more likely to remember bite-sized portions of information. Less is more! 

6. Showmanship
   Your energy sets the tone for the entire session. It’s up to you, the virtual instructor, to bring the energy and hold your student’s attention. Be enthusiastic, dynamic, and lively. Use your voice, body language, and facial expressions to inject energy into your content delivery. A spirited facilitator is the secret sauce that transforms a good VILT session into an unforgettable experience. Seriously: if you think you might be overdoing it and look a bit silly, you’re probably doing a great job! 

As you guide your virtual students through the intricacies of your online training, remember that successful VILT courses are a melting pot of powerful content, intentional engagement, technology mastery, and a touch of theatrics. So, lean into the passion you have for the content you’re teaching and watch as your VILT sessions become memorable journeys of learning and growth.  
 
Looking for a partner to help bring your VILT course to life? VLink is here to help. We’re more than just a production company – we’ll help you craft, produce, and distribute your content as a one-stop shop. Reach out today at info@vlinksoltuions.com to learn more. 

Related read: Check out this infographic about producing quality online training content.