P06 BYOL: Instructional Design for Virtual Classroom Events
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday, October 23
Andros B
Virtual classroom experiences can range all the way from engaging and exciting to dull and boring. The make-or-break factor often stems from one major thing: the initial instructional design. Crafting virtual classrooms requires more than understanding how to create classroom or eLearning content—it takes a deeper understanding of the unique features and drawbacks of this type of training and how best to leverage the functionality of the VC tools you use.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to take common face-to-face training situations and translate them for effective and engaging virtual delivery, using advanced features, social media tools, vendor add-ons, video, and audio in creative ways. You’ll also practice your skills by redesigning a case sample (or even a training example from your own organization) for virtual delivery. If you design VC content but know you need to enhance your instructional design skills to make what you create a better fit for the VC environment, then this workshop is for you.
In this session, you will learn:
- Creative solutions for different face-to-face training situations (like software labs, coaching or mentoring, role-playing, etc.)
- How to implement advanced features for breakout rooms, webcams, and video
- How to engage learners by integrating available resources such as virtual classroom tools, tablets, smartphones, self-study activities, and Twitter into your solutions
- Tips for visually and instructionally improving your training content for virtual solutions
- How to look before you leap: practical strategies for implementing your vision to make sure your event is successful
Audience:
Novice to intermediate designers and online event producers.
Technology discussed
in this session:
Adobe Connect and other virtual classroom tools.
Technology required:
A
wireless, network-accessible laptop or smart device.

Karen Hyder
Principal
Kaleidoscope Training and Consulting
Karen Hyder has been teaching trainer-training programs for virtual classes and coaching online presenters since 1999. She has produced hundreds of online sessions, including for The eLearning Guild’s Online Forums, Thought Leaders Webinars, and "Best of" Webinars. Karen uses the trainer competencies of CompTIA’s Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) to help technical trainers and subject-matter experts prepare for online sessions, master online presentation skills, and engage learners throughout sessions. She frequently speaks at industry events on using virtual classroom tools to support learning. Karen co-authored The eLearning Guild’s Handbook on Synchronous eLearning, and authored Up and Running with WebEx Training Center for lynda.com.

Melissa Chambers
Online Instructional Specialist
MSC Consulting
Melissa Chambers is an online instructional specialist at MSC Consulting and a contract speaker coach/host for The eLearning Guild’s Online Forums and Guild Academy. Melissa has over 19 years’ experience in creative media production, project and change management, online instructional design, and eLearning strategy development, and has been designing, producing, and coaching for synchronous online programs since 2002. She holds a master’s degree in instructional design for online learning, and has spearheaded award-winning programs in eLearning, process improvement, and strategic development. Melissa has a passion for lifelong learning, technology, cultivating creativity, and having fun while working.