Students don’t have to be face-to-face to participate in group or blended learning. They can participate electronically, whether by a conference call, video conference, or webinar. The Leadership Journey designed to be used in a variety of formats, including virtual classrooms, so learning is never compromised.

Essential Communication Skills for the Virtual Workforce

Most of the students who participate in virtual leadership training sessions are telecommuting; working from a remote location, or a home office. While participating in role-plays and practice exercises virtually, they are developing their remote communication skills, as well as mastering the skills taught in each course. Since they are a remote worker, more and more of their daily communication involves the use of technology. Having the opportunity to practice new skills in a virtual environment is critical to their success.

Three Popular Virtual Classroom Training Options

Three virtual training options used by our clients. They are listed from most to least popular.

• The most popular option is a hybrid, blended approach. Students participate in a self-directed e-learning version of the course prior to the virtual training session. During e-learning, they complete all of the course’s active learning components except the role-play. Virtual training sessions are focused on discussion, practice, and interaction.
• The next option is similar to the hybrid blended approach. With this option, students watch the interactive video and complete the note-taking guide before the virtual training session. This is the only pre-training session work the students complete. The other active learning components are completed as a group during the virtual session. The virtual training session is focused on discussion, practice, and interaction while completing the remaining active learning components.
• The least popular option is to have the students complete all of the active learning components in the virtual training session. Most of our clients prefer to have the students view the short video and complete pre-work prior to meeting, so that group time can be focused on discussion and interaction.

What is the Difference between Virtual and Face-to-Face Training Sessions?

The process is nearly identical for virtual learning and face-to-face learning. The main differences involve role-play and practice exercises. Instead of breaking into pairs, students participate in the role-play and practice exercises as a group. The remaining active learning components like discussion, follow-up, and workplace action planning are the same.