As the world begins to shift toward a more virtual working environment thanks to the current climate, we thought we’d offer you our top tips on a topic that’s close to us here at Stimulus: Virtual training!
The prospect of training entirely through the web can be a daunting one. There are a few problems to consider: How do I use the platform we have? How can I stay comfortable while running a session that may last a day or longer? How do I keep people engaged outside of a classroom environment? In today’s blog, we thought we’d all come together to share the tips and tricks we like to use to keep our virtual sessions as engaging and lively as possible.
Sydonie recommends using tools like Google Jamboard to help manage and share whiteboards. “I like to use Jamboard because it updates in real time – so anything you draw on your mobile can appear on your computer instantly!”
To set it up, simply install the Jamboard app on your mobile device (we recommend a tablet or a mobile for this), log in on this device, create a “jam” (which is just the name for a whiteboard), and then view it on your computer at the same time. “It means I don’t have to desperately angle my webcam to try to show my students a whiteboard”, she adds, “and I can share them with my students without having to go through much more effort.”
Sam recommends using dual screens to help keep things manageable – this means you can use one monitor to keep an eye on your delegates activity and any notes you’d like to use, while you can have the content you’re teaching from on the other. He also suggests keeping your phone away; “Have your phone somewhere where you can’t glance over at it – work emails can wait for a break in the training.” He also suggests keeping your workspace clean to avoid any distractions.
Karen recommends using webcams and other virtual tools to help keep people engaged. “One of the great things about in-classroom training is the ability to have that face to face communication between yourself and your students. Ensuring that having everyone’s web cam turned on is a useful way of overcoming this.” She adds that sometimes, the ability to use a webcam isn’t available. “You could ask your students to show if they have understood a concept by displaying a green tick or a smiley face or if they need some assistance with a red cross instead.”
For me, the greatest advice I can offer to anyone running a virtual course is to be comfortable. Like Sam recommended, having a tidy workspace is key to a smooth and easy delivery. Only have what you need to run the course, and remember to offer breaks so people can stand up and stretch their legs out every once in a while. If you are feeling stiff from sitting down for too long, it’s likely your students are, too!
Training remotely isn’t the only option you have to help upskill others. Tools such as myTrailhead can help, too – introduced by Salesforce in 2019, myTrailhead offers the same gamified learning experience we’ve all come to love from Trailhead. The difference here is that you can create your own content, and you can track its uptake amongst your peers, too! If you’re interested in learning more, have a look at the link here.
At Stimulus, we have an array of virtual and online training courses for you to choose from. Just because we are in lockdown, doesn't mean you have to stall your Salesforce development. Take a look at our onlince courses.