Materials and Resources
Design Update for Virtual Platforms
Overview:
Virtual training is becoming as widely accepted as live, instructor-led training. Depending on the subject matter and audience, there are reasons to support both formats. I see more and more companies selecting blended solutions that tailor toward their learning initiatives – even some choosing virtual formats for pre-work or foundational level, and live instructor-led for in-depth concepts and action planning.
As virtual formats help initiatives reach more participants, the delivery of the content needs to expand – it simply cannot be the instructor-led delivery now formatted for a webcam, yet I see that too often among training companies. I set out to shake things up when converting live classes to virtual classes.
Process:​
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Designed new delivery methods for facilitators to engage the learner during the virtual class, these interactions happen every 7 to 10 minutes
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Interactions include chatbox prompts, polling, session video clips, whiteboard annotations, participant drag-n-drop, participant pictionary, participant seek-n-find, breakout group discussion, paired off leaders as teachers, and spotlight participant speakers
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Created video tutorials explaining the instructional design behind these interactions and demonstrating functionality across 3 platforms
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Scripted, filmed, and edited short video-teach segments using over the shoulder and full screen animations
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Videos allow a facilitator to explain a concept in greater detail with accompanying animations and use in class as module summaries leading into a break
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Designed a new participant guide that accommodates the virtual learner, with built-in navigation and interactive note-taking
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Designed new facilitator slides where these activities are prescribed, following the 7-10 minute rule
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Implemented these changes among all facilitators and proactively sought feedback and designed continual updates
Deliverables:​
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Updated VILT participant guides
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Updated VILT facilitator guides
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Updated online tools and resources
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Updated facilitator teaching tools and resources
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VILT activity tutorial videos
VILT Platform Design
Adobe Connect Virtual Platform
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Overview:
A Fortune-50 client asked that I convert the live, instructor-led course offered throughout their company to a virtual delivery format. They had transitioned all training to an enterprise-wide Adobe Connect license and the course needed to fit within those parameters. In addition to the platform setup, they also required a Producer's guide, as every class they ran was hosted by a producer and facilitated by a teacher.
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Maybe you're familiar with Adobe Connect, maybe not. Unlike other virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams, Webex, for example) the content and setup on Adobe Connect lives indefinitely – your files don't delete from the platform when you log off. This allows for a completely immersive student experience, which I took and completely ran with.
Process:
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Conducted research and platform analysis to better understand capabilities, current classes featured on the platform, processes and features
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Met with senior account management to discuss project scope and modify learning outcomes
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Designed activities and content that mapped directly to these updated learning outcomes
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Designed new facilitator resources and participant guides
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Designed new slide library and entirely new presentation layout to enhance participant view
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Trained the presenting facilitator on platform tools and refined materials and facilitative flow
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Developed the training site, using the Adobe Connect layout feature, presenter-area feature, and designed facilitative cues for navigating through the layout
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During development, tested the site continuously using three monitors set at different resolutions to replicate closely the participant viewing experience
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Managed monthly client check-in calls and updates
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Produced the session alongside the facilitator for the pilot testing, as well as the first three months of deployment
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Trained client producers and company producers to continually support the facilitation
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Continued to oversee any technical support issues that arose, working closely with company resources and client L&D department
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Deliverables:
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Session Participant Guide
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Session Facilitator Guide
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Platform Producers Guide
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Robust Adobe Connect virtual class environment
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Step-by-Step instructions for setting up the environment for other company facilitators
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Continuous tech support and product updates