Web Conferencing Makes Global Training More Cost Effective
Posted by Kathleen S on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 07:59 AM
With the technology options available today, students can earn a college degree without actually stepping into a physical classroom, individuals can visually and audibly interact with a boss while working on the other side of the world and organizations can train new employees or even volunteers without requiring the trainer be in the same location. All of these things are made possible by offering seminars through Web conferencing.
Any organization that needs to train individuals who may be spread across the country or even the world can face exorbitant costs in delivering a physical person to train on location. While there are some scenarios where this in-person training is a must, it is no longer the norm throughout most industries. These organizations can now use robust Web conferencing solutions to get the job done while still protecting the bottom line.
There can be certain aspects of Web conferencing that seem daunting to the trainer. If only audio is in place and the trainer or facilitator cannot see the faces of participants, they may feel pressured to figure out how to keep attendees engaged. Without the benefit of gauging reactions to information, a trainer may also easily push ahead into new information before an acceptable level of understanding is reached.
To be sure the trainer can deliver an optimal training experience for all involved, there are a few things to keep in mind when developing a Web conference training session. Let’s take a look at these considerations and what they mean for the organization.
The Training Platform – it is important to understand what you need from the Web conferencing solution before you implement the one you will use for training. Do you want your trainees to be able to interact with you and with each other? Do you want to be able to see them? Will you allow questions throughout the Web conference or will you allow time at the end? Do attendees need specific software on their desktop in order to participate? By answering these questions and more, your organization can select the platform that best fits your training needs.
Preparation – if you do not prepare your attendees for how to participate in the training and what to expect from the experience, you will waste a considerable amount of time on the day of training via the Web conference. It is quite possible online training through Web conferencing technology is a new thing for them and proper preparation is a must. Send clear instructions for logging on; provide a link for testing the compatibility of the browser; provide technical specifications for the Web conferencing system; send out a copy of the presentation; and encourage attendees to sign on early if technical support is needed.
Technical Assistance – anytime new technology is used in a new way, a need arises for technical assistance. If you are not ready to provide that assistance by having a staff member available to provide help, you will find yourself splitting time between facilitating and trying to solve the problem, which can severely affect the quality and continuity of the training.
Keep it Interactive – people often get bored if they must just sit and listen. If you design the conference to be interactive and engaging, your attendees will find themselves more drawn into the material and gaining more benefit from the experience. Invite questions from your attendees; provide activities to be done that make use of the training material; encourage interaction between the attendees – even if they cannot see each other.
As this world continues to become more global, the demand for Web conferencing solutions will continue to grow. They will only deliver benefit to the organization, however, if they are implemented properly. By following these few tips for training via Web conferencing solutions, your trainers will be equipped to deliver a quality, virtual experience.
