What is Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)? A Guide in 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of professional development and education, Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) has emerged as a pivotal solution. Blending the benefits of traditional classroom training with the flexibility of digital platforms, VILT offers a unique, interactive learning experience.

This approach has become increasingly relevant in today's corporate and educational settings, where the demand for dynamic, accessible, and efficient training methods is at an all-time high. Understanding the nuances of VILT is crucial for educators, corporate trainers, and learners who are navigating this modern approach to training and education.

What is Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)?

Imagine stepping into a classroom without leaving your home or office. This is the essence of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT). VILT combines the personal touch of an instructor-led classroom with the convenience of an online platform, making learning both engaging and accessible.

At its core, it's a training methodology that replicates the interactive elements of traditional classroom settings in a virtual environment. Instructors and learners connect in real-time, but through screens, allowing for live interaction, discussion, and feedback, irrespective of their physical locations.

The Evolution of VILT:

This concept isn't entirely new. It has its roots in distance learning, which began with correspondence courses centuries ago. With advancements in technology, what once involved mailed lecture notes has transformed into dynamic, interactive online sessions. Today's VILT platforms offer features like live conferencing, breakout rooms, and real-time quizzes, enriching the learning experience far beyond what earlier distance learning methods could provide.

Distinguishing Features:

What sets VILT apart from other online learning methods is the live, interactive component. Unlike pre-recorded courses where learners passively consume content, VILT is inherently dynamic. Participants can ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive immediate feedback, making the experience much more akin to a physical classroom.

Here are the key components of VILT

For you to understand the concept better, here are the key components of VILT:

1. Synchronous Virtual Classes. This virtual method offers real-time lessons delivered via the Internet, allowing participants to interact with the instructor and peers remotely.
   
2. Creating an Online Learning Environment. The virtual instructor's role is to establish a digital learning space that mimics a traditional classroom. This includes tools for communication, collaboration, and content delivery.
   
3. Similar Terms: It is synonymous with concepts such as virtual classrooms, online learning, and synchronous online classes. These terms all revolve around the idea of conducting real-time sessions via the Internet.
   
4. Versatility: Notably, VILT isn't limited to traditional classrooms. It extends its reach into various domains, including learning organizations and corporate training, making it a versatile and impactful method for educating and training individuals beyond physical boundaries.
   

Benefits for your Learning Organizations

Whether you are training your employees, students, or participants in a hybrid or fully remote environment, there are many advantages to gain when you use the virtual instructor-led training approach:

1. Cost-Effective: This approach is cost-effective when compared to traditional in-person training. Moreover, the potential integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in education has been there for some time. Once VR has taken the limelight in online learning, there’s a high chance this will disrupt the corporate training industry.
   
2. Engaging and Interactive: VILT is inherently engaging because it happens in real time. It encourages active participation and interaction among participants, leading to more effective learning outcomes. With the help of social learning platforms such as Teachfloor, engaging students has never been so easy and smooth!
   
3. Global Reach: The virtual nature of this teaching method means it can reach a global audience. This is particularly valuable for organizations with diverse and remote teams, or those targeting an international market.
   
4. Increased Course Profitability: It can be a profitable venture due to its scalability. It allows trainers and edupreneurs to reach a larger audience without significant overhead costs.
   
5. Diversity in Discussions: Due to its virtual component, participants from different backgrounds and regions bring unique perspectives, enriching the learning experience with one another. Online discussions, forums, or an online learning community can be integrated into this teaching approach.
6. Flexibility and Accessibility: VILT brings unparalleled flexibility. Participants can join sessions from anywhere, provided they have internet access. This ease of access not only saves time but also makes learning opportunities more inclusive, catering to people who might otherwise be unable to attend due to geographical constraints or mobility issues.
7. Potential for Personalization and Adaptive Learning: VILT allows trainers and educators to tailor content to meet the specific needs of their audience. With features like live feedback and assessments, instructors can adapt their teaching methods and materials in real-time, providing a more personalized learning experience.

The combination of these benefits clearly illustrates why VILT has become a sought-after mode of training and education in various sectors. It not only meets the demands of today's fast-paced world but also opens up new avenues for effective learning.

The Rise of VILT in Corporate and Educational Sectors

In the last few years, we've witnessed a significant shift in how professional training and education are delivered, largely propelled by Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT). It's fascinating to see how this approach has reshaped learning in both corporate and educational spheres.

VILT in the Corporate World: Companies, big and small, are constantly seeking ways to upskill their employees efficiently and effectively. VILT fits the bill perfectly. It's not just about cutting costs on travel and accommodation for training; it's about bringing teams together from across the globe for live, interactive learning sessions. This approach has proven invaluable for multinational corporations where teams are spread out worldwide.

Adoption in Education: Educational institutions are not far behind. VILT has opened doors to a new realm of possibilities in teaching methodologies. Universities and colleges now offer courses that students can attend from anywhere, breaking geographical barriers and making quality education more accessible.

Impact of Global Events: The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in the accelerated adoption of VILT. With lockdowns and social distancing norms, organizations and educational institutions had to quickly adapt to remote modes of operation. VILT was not just a stop-gap arrangement; it became a mainstay, demonstrating its effectiveness and efficiency in a world where physical presence is not always possible.

This upsurge in VILT usage highlights its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to bring people together in a learning environment, regardless of their location.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing VILT

While Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) offers numerous benefits, implementing it effectively comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these obstacles and exploring solutions is key to maximizing the potential of VILT.

Technical Requirements and Challenges: The backbone of VILT is technology, and this can be a double-edged sword. Issues like inadequate hardware, poor internet connectivity, and software complexities can hinder the learning experience.

‍Solution: Ensuring robust technical infrastructure and providing basic tech training to participants can mitigate these issues. Choosing user-friendly VILT platforms also makes a significant difference.

Ensuring Engagement and Participation: One of the biggest concerns with online learning is maintaining participant engagement. Without physical presence, it's easy for learners to become passive observers.

‍Solution: Utilizing interactive elements like live discussions, group activities, and hands-on exercises can keep learners involved and attentive. Regular feedback and engagement metrics can also help in monitoring participation levels.

Overcoming the Lack of Physical Presence: The absence of a physical classroom environment can affect the dynamism of learning.

‍Solution: Creating a sense of community among participants through ice-breaker sessions, group projects, and peer-to-peer interactions can foster a more connected and immersive learning environment.

The Best Strategies to Deliver Virtual Instructor-Led Training

For L&D teams, instructional designers, and corporate trainers, the successful implementation of virtual instructor-led training requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits:

Create an Engaging Learning Environment

A key to success in VILT is the creation of an engaging and interactive learning environment. How do you do it? You can utilize various online whiteboard tools, implement other pedagogy, and real-time assessments.

👉🏻 You can also read the Best Online Teaching Methods, a complete list of modern pedagogies used in virtual instructor-led training.

Blend Learning Modalities

Consider adopting a blended learning approach. This combines your virtual classroom with self-paced learning and live learning.

In fact, Teachfloor came up with a good blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning. We call it the hybrid cohort-based learning approach. It is perfect for virtual classrooms with 70% asynchronous and 30% synchronous classes that solve the problem of Zoom fatigue and short attention span.

This is highly used by the best learning organizations due to its collaborative and scalable approach. If you want to learn more about how you can implement it in your online classrooms, download the ebook for free.

Organize Fireside Chats with Experts & Mentors

Integrate sessions with experts where students and participants can broaden their horizons into the real practice of your subject or topic. In other words, organizing a fireside chat, review classes, or group coaching with experts and mentors can break the ice from the normal classroom sessions. Additionally, It's a good group learning opportunity for participants.

Select the Right Learning Platform for VILT: Teachfloor LMS

Notably, the effectiveness of virtual instructor-led training depends heavily on the choice of the online platform. In fact, many platforms offer features that streamline class operations and reduce manual tasks. Look for a platform that is designed for engaging and collaborative learning environments.

n effective LMS not only streamlines the delivery of VILT programs but also enhances the overall learning experience. Let's explore what makes a great VILT LMS and why Teachfloor stands out in this arena.

Characteristics of an Effective VILT LMS:

• User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design that facilitates easy navigation for both instructors and learners.
• Interactive Tools: Features like live chats, polls, and breakout rooms to promote engagement.
• Customization and Scalability: The ability to tailor courses to specific needs and scale up as required.
• Reliable Performance: Consistent, glitch-free performance, crucial for maintaining the flow of live sessions.
• Analytics and Reporting: Tools for tracking attendance, engagement, and progress, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of training programs.

Spotlight on Teachfloor:

• Functionality: Teachfloor is specifically designed for VILT, offering a suite of tools that cater to dynamic, interactive online training. It integrates seamlessly with popular video conferencing tools and provides an array of features like course management, learner tracking, and interactive session tools.
• Benefits: Teachfloor stands out for its focus on collaboration and community-building, crucial aspects of effective VILT. Its analytics capabilities allow for a detailed understanding of learner engagement and course effectiveness.
• Why It's a Standout: Teachfloor’s commitment to a user-friendly experience, combined with its specialized focus on VILT, makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to implement or enhance their virtual training programs.

The right LMS can be a game-changer in the success of VILT initiatives, and Teachfloor exemplifies the kind of specialized functionality that can greatly enhance virtual instructor-led training.

💡 Bonus tip! Here’s a ready-made LMS evaluation checklist to help you choose the best LMS.

The Biggest Question: Is VILT Still Relevant in 2024?

In today's world, we are gradually leaving the pandemic era behind. With the significant rise of virtual learning during those challenging times, a pressing question emerges: Will virtual instructor-led training (VILT) continue to be relevant in 2024? Or will something new approach emerge?

The answer is clear—virtual classrooms are here to stay in 2024. Even in our post-pandemic reality, students will likely continue to embrace technology for learning, and teachers will rely on technology for teaching.

What's even more remarkable is that corporations and organizations are likely to develop internal training programs, creating online learning environments for their employees to acquire new skills and knowledge while they work.

This shift represents a growing trend in the future of work. In the coming years, online learning will advance from mere Zoom meetings to more immersive experiences, such as Virtual Reality Training. 📺