Virtual Instructor-led Training is vital in training as it augments blended learning and other instructional formats. In this article, we’ll learn about the concept of VILT, blended learning, and the importance of VILT in blended learning programs.
When it comes to blended learning programs, Virtual Instructor-led Training (VILT) plays a vital role in the success of the program. VILT is a type of training that takes place online and is led by an instructor in real-time. This means that participants can interact with the instructor and each other as if they were in a physical classroom.
Blended learning programs, also known as mixed-mode learning programs, combine online and offline methods of training. They are better suited for remote as well as go-to-market teams. The flexible nature of the training programs ensures that all participants can take up the courses on their own schedule and benefit from the interactive style of learning at play.
Understanding the Role and Importance of VILT in Blended Learning Programs Can be Difficult.
Fret not! Here’s how this blog can help:
- Provides an introduction to VILT
- Discusses what is blended learning and its benefits
- Elucidates how blended learning works
- Highlights the importance of VILT in blended learning programs
With changing times and the needs of the learning industry, training methodology has also evolved significantly. To keep up with the requirements, in this article, we take a peek into the concept of VILT, blended learning, their advantages, and the importance of VILT in blended learning programs. It will help you understand the essence of each approach in a standalone as well as the combined perspective, thereby enabling fruitful decision-making. Let’s begin!
Introduction to Virtual Instructor-led Training
Virtual Instructor-led Training, in a simple sense, refers to training delivered in a virtual setting via online platforms. It is a synchronous learning format where the facilitator and the learners are expected to be available at the same time for learning to happen, but not at the same place.
VILT has many advantages over the traditional face-to-face mode of instruction, including the ability to reach a global audience, save on travel costs, and conduct training in a more flexible format. However, one of the biggest advantages of VILT is that it allows learners to receive just-in-time training that is specific to their needs. In other words, participants can receive customized training that is tailored to their individual learning objectives.
This is important because it ensures that participants are getting the most out of the training and are able to apply what they have learned to their specific job roles. Additionally, VILT provides an opportunity for learners to ask questions and get clarification using features like the raising hand option, chat, etc., in real-time from an expert instructor. This level of interaction is not possible with other types of eLearning, such as asynchronous learning, mobile learning, microlearning, or self-paced learning.
Wondering what more can VILT help you with? Learn the ins and outs of VILT now!
What is Blended Learning and its Benefits for Corporate Organizations
Blended learning is a training delivery method that combines online learning with in-person instruction. It allows learners to have more control over their learning by giving them the ability to complete some coursework online through various eLearning methods, such as microlearning, rapid eLearning, game-based learning, etc., at their own pace and schedule. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for learners to get immediate feedback and ask questions in a face-to-face setting.
One of the benefits of blended learning is that it can be customized to fit the needs of the learner. For example, if a learner is struggling with a certain concept, they can receive additional support from an instructor during the in-person portion of the class. Additionally, blended learning can be more cost-effective than traditional training methods because it doesn’t require learners to travel to a central location. Other benefits include increased engagement, improved retention, and increased learning flexibility.
Blended learning also has some drawbacks. One of the challenges with this type of training is that it requires learners to have access to reliable internet and computer equipment. Additionally, blended learning can be less engaging than traditional methods because learners are not receiving all of their instruction in person. Well, somebody’s shortcomings can be somebody else’s strength.
Here, VILT comes in handy to tackle these drawbacks as learners can get in touch with the facilitator if they have missed something important due to unforeseen, unavoidable circumstances. Also, VILT tries to boost engagement by integrating interactive multimedia, such as videos and audio, and other features like breakout rooms, online chats, polls, etc., that involve participants and motivate them to respond.
How Blended Learning Works
Blended learning typically consists of four parts:
- Online content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere
- In-person or via a digital mode of instruction led by an expert instructor
- Individualized feedback and support
- Opportunities for practice and application
Online content can be in many different formats, such as eLearning courses, webinars, or videos. The in-person instruction can be in the form of workshops, seminars, or training. Individualized feedback can come from an instructor or a mentor. The opportunities for practice can be in the form of simulations or role-playing exercises.
The Importance of VILT in Blended Learning Programs
While VILT can be used as a standalone training solution, it is often used as part of a blended learning program. A blended learning program is a mix-and-match approach that combines different types of learning formats such as eLearning, classroom instruction, and on-the-job training as per the learning objective requirement. Ultimately, the goal of a blended learning program is to create a more well-rounded learning experience for participants by incorporating different types of instruction. In this section, we’ll focus on how VILT augments the blended learning programs:
- One of the benefits of using VILT as part of a blended learning program is that it can be used to supplement other types of online instruction formats, such as web-based training, microlearning, mobile learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), etc. For example, if learners are having difficulty understanding a concept covered in an eLearning module, the instructor can go over it again during the VILT session. This allows learners to get immediate feedback and clarification on concepts that they are struggling with. Additionally, VILT can be used to provide reinforcement after learners have completed an eLearning course or gone through some other type of instruction.
- Just assigning the coursework doesn’t do any good for effective learning. VILT helps the instructor lay the groundwork by offering an outline or roadmap for the training course. It enables better interaction between the learners and the facilitator, thereby providing better clarity on how the training program will progress and the expectations of both parties involved. Accordingly, the trainers can modify the content to match the virtual setting and demands of the learners and make the best out of the training session.
- Learning can happen in isolation as well as in a group. But what’s best? VILT in blended learning makes both of these formats possible as the learners can take up lessons in their own time and space and later be a part of the interactive session with the facilitator and colleagues. The virtual session enables interaction and promotes collaborative efforts through various activities and projects, which helps each learner gain a new perspective and knowledge. It even acts as a breather that breaks the monotony of online learning, where a learner might feel stuck or disconnected.
Another important benefit of using Virtual Instructor-led Training for your blended learning program is that it helps connect the information and knowledge acquired in training sessions with what is actually implemented in your business.
The trainer can act as a source of information and can not only tell participants about the practical implementation of the training sources but also the ways to implement the learning in their daily life. With new and advanced blended learning techniques, many organizations witness better results across the board. Employees are able to connect their training schedules to their daily work schedules and also derive positive results from the entire process.
All these factors combine to make the training program successful in terms of both effective learning and training ROI. The added efficiency can improve work productivity and employee performance.
Parting Thoughts
Virtual Instructor-led Training (VILT) plays an important role in successful blended learning programs. VILT provides just-in-time training that is specific to participants’ needs and allows for real-time interaction between participants and instructors. Additionally, VILT can be used to supplement other types of instruction, such as eLearning courses or on-the-job training. By incorporating VILT into your blended learning programs, you can create a more well-rounded learning experience for your participants.
To ensure your efforts are at par with the requirements of VILT for maximum effective learning, check out this informative webinar recording on moving from ILT to VILT.
