Last updated on May 20, 2024

How can you make online platforms work for Train the Trainer?

Online training is becoming more popular and accessible, but it also poses some challenges for trainers who want to deliver effective and engaging learning experiences. How can you make online platforms work for Train the Trainer? Here are some tips and best practices to help you adapt and succeed in the digital environment.

1 Choose the right platform

Not all online platforms are created equal. Some offer more features and functionalities than others, such as video, audio, chat, polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and screen sharing. Depending on your training objectives, audience, and content, you need to select the platform that best suits your needs and expectations. Research and compare different options, and test them before you commit. You may also want to consider the cost, reliability, security, and compatibility of the platform with your devices and internet connection.

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Yemmie Olaleye (CMSA®, FTIP™) ✪

I help individuals make informed & strategic decisions in the financial market; charts into profitable opportunities. Market Analyst| Coach| Mentor| Thought leader| Futurist CFI: FMVA®| CMSA®| CBCA™| BIDA®| FTIP™| FPWM
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Highlight your training objectives. Choose a platform that facilitates all the features you will need, such as voice, video, annotations, quizzes, polls etc. The training objectives should determine the best platform for your train the trainer training.

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Johanna Littek

Zertifizierte Train the Trainerin und Trainingsmanagerin - Entdecke die Geheimnisse erfolgreicher Schulungen! Als Expertin helfe ich Trainer*innen, spannende Workshops zu gestalten. #TraintheTrainer
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The most important thing for a platform is that it is easy to use for its students. It must be intuitive to use and meetings must be possible without errors. Find out in advance about the experiences of other users. Check the provider's data protection regulations. Make sure that your users' data is secure on this platform.

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2 Prepare and practice

Online training requires more preparation and practice than face-to-face training. You need to plan your content, activities, materials, and timing carefully, and anticipate any technical issues or disruptions that may occur. You also need to familiarize yourself with the platform and its features, and practice using them effectively. For example, you should know how to mute and unmute participants, share your screen, monitor the chat, create and manage breakout rooms, and use interactive tools. You may also want to do a dry run with a colleague or a friend to get feedback and improve your delivery.

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Johanna Littek

Zertifizierte Train the Trainerin und Trainingsmanagerin - Entdecke die Geheimnisse erfolgreicher Schulungen! Als Expertin helfe ich Trainer*innen, spannende Workshops zu gestalten. #TraintheTrainer
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After your own test runs, there should always be a technique check with the actual students of the course. This is important so that the actual training is not disrupted by problems with the platform and technology. All participants must test their microphones and cameras and know the functions of the meeting.

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3 Engage and interact

One of the biggest challenges of online training is to keep your participants engaged and interested throughout the session. You need to use various strategies and techniques to capture and maintain their attention, such as using visuals, stories, examples, humor, and questions. You also need to create opportunities for interaction and collaboration, such as using polls, quizzes, chats, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and feedback forms. You should encourage your participants to share their opinions, experiences, questions, and comments, and acknowledge and respond to them. You should also check their understanding and progress regularly, and provide constructive and timely feedback.

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4 Adapt and be flexible

Online training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to adapt your content, methods, and style to suit your online platform, your participants, and your context. You need to be aware of the differences and challenges of online communication, such as the lack of non-verbal cues, the potential for misunderstandings, the risk of distraction, and the need for brevity and clarity. You also need to be flexible and ready to adjust your plan and approach according to the feedback, needs, and preferences of your participants. You should also be prepared to deal with any technical difficulties or unexpected situations that may arise, and have a backup plan in case of emergencies.

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5 Evaluate and improve

Online training is a continuous learning process. You need to evaluate your performance and outcomes, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You should collect feedback from your participants, using surveys, forms, chats, or emails. You should also reflect on your own experience, using self-assessment tools, recordings, or notes. You should analyze the feedback and data, and use them to improve your online training skills and strategies. You should also seek opportunities to learn from other online trainers, such as joining online communities, forums, webinars, or courses.

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