As training and development professionals, one of our core challenges is designing and delivering training that not only educates but also engages. Interactive training methods are essential because they enhance retention, encourage participation, and make learning enjoyable.
I thought this week, since I am currently working on a course, eLearning Foundations: Turning Ideas into Interactive Learning, interactivity has been on my mind, so I would explore creative and effective strategies for crafting interactive training sessions across three modalities: Instructor-Led Training (ILT), Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), and eLearning.
Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
For those who are currently writing and designing or delivering ILT courses, here are some ideas for your next course.
- Real-World Simulations: Incorporate scenarios that mimic daily job tasks or challenges. This method helps learners understand the practical application of their new knowledge. Here is an example of a very labor-intensive experience, but the learning payoff was unmatched.
- Many years ago, we created a strategic illustration of the Life Cycle of Gas. It was a beautiful map that illustrated the life cycle of a gas molecule as it existed in rock to the point it arrived in your home to heat your house and all of the many departments and people in the organization that played a part in its journey. Then, we created a 3 day simulation where learners worked in teams to research geology, identify the location they wanted, acquire the land, negotiate the land, drill the land (see if they actually hit anything), if they did extract the gas, and then get it to the proper locations. They experienced first-hand with SMEs how the entire process worked from beginning to end. It was such an amazing experience to create and build, but also participate in.
- Gamification: Introduce elements like point scoring, competitions, and badges to make learning fun and engaging. Gamification can transform a standard training session into a dynamic learning experience. Use tools like Kahoot! to create interactive quizzes that motivate learners.
- Interactive Storytelling: Utilize storytelling to create a narrative around the training content. This can involve the learners as characters in the story, requiring them to make decisions at key points, which influences the story’s outcome and reinforces the learning points.
- Think-Pair-Share: This technique involves participants thinking about a question individually, discussing their thoughts with a partner, and then sharing their conclusions with the larger group. This fosters collaboration and deeper understanding.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT)
- Virtual Breakout Rooms: While this is a simple concept, I see many vILT sessions that aren’t using them. Most virtual meeting platforms, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allow trainers to use breakout rooms. Use these for small group discussions or activities during the session. This breaks up the monotony of a virtual session, encourages participation, creates connection and networking, and lets participants share their experiences, which is an adult learning principle.
- You can even combine this with a real-world simulation that was mentioned above in the ILT section. We do this with real estate leaders where we have groups of buyers and sellers of a brokerage office. Each group of buyers and sellers are given data (not necessarily the same) about the office. They have to work with their team and then with the opposite team to negotiate a deal. They have three rounds of negotiations to get a deal. It simulates how a real merger/acquisition could go and a tremendous learning experience that actually, we have found, works more effectively in a vILT environment than an ILT environment.
- Polling and Live Surveys: Use real-time polling or surveys to gather instant feedback or make decisions during the training. This not only keeps the audience engaged but also allows you to tailor the session based on learner preferences and responses. Most webinar platforms have polling tools, but I love to use AhaSlides. They have polling, quiz, word cloud, trivia and fun game options to really step up your interactions. You can try them out here.
- Dynamic Presentations with Multimedia: Integrate videos, animations, and interactive slides to maintain interest. Tools like Canva or Prezi can help create visually appealing presentations that captivate virtual audiences.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Integrations: Utilize AR to create immersive experiences where learners can interact with virtual elements overlaid in their real environment. For example, in a safety training, participants could use their smartphones to navigate a virtual factory floor to identify hazards.
eLearning
- Interactive Scenarios: Design branching scenarios that allow learners to explore different outcomes based on their decisions. This method is highly effective in eLearning environments, where self-paced learning can sometimes feel isolating.
- Quizzes and Knowledge Checks: Regularly incorporate quizzes and knowledge checks to reinforce learning and ensure retention. Tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise are excellent for creating engaging assessments. AND, did you know you can even create short quizzes on Canva now? So many tools, so little time. 😊
- Microlearning Modules: Create short, focused modules that learners can complete in a single sitting. These bite-sized learning experiences are perfect for busy professionals who might struggle to find time for longer sessions. Great tools for these might be Articulate Rise microlearning templates, ScreenPal, Camtasia, or Canva.
- Social Learning Features: Include forums or community boards where learners can discuss course content, share insights, or ask questions. This helps in creating a learning community that extends beyond the individual experience.
- In our #IgniteLearningSM community, our goal is to connect with others, share ideas, and get help when they are stuck, share L & D templates (Canva, Storyline, Rise, storyboarding, Vyond, etc.) targeted at L & D every month, access to a new Masterclass every month, and access to a learning library of tutorials, tips and tricks, and asset bundles you can use in your courses.
Whether through ILT, vILT, or eLearning, interactive training methods are crucial for effective knowledge transfer and retention. By incorporating these strategies, you ensure that your training programs are not only educational but also engaging and responsive to the needs of adult learners. Remember, the goal is to create a learning experience that sticks, and with these methods, you’re well on your way to achieving just that.
Are you looking to enhance your training programs? Connect with us at Zenith Performance Solutions, where we leverage cutting-edge techniques and technologies to transform your training initiatives into dynamic and impactful learning experiences.