What Is Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)?

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) is revolutionizing the way we learn in the digital era. Combining the advantages of live instruction and online flexibility, VILT brings instructors and learners together in a virtual environment, eliminating geographical barriers and opening up new possibilities for interactive and engaging training.

What is Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)?

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) is an interactive and live training format conducted remotely through web conferencing tools or virtual classrooms. It brings together instructors and learners in a virtual environment, allowing for real-time engagement and collaboration. VILT is designed to replicate the traditional classroom experience by delivering live instruction, facilitating discussions, and providing immediate feedback.

VILT vs. ILT – What’s the Difference?

VILT differs from traditional Instructor-Led Training (ILT) primarily in the mode of delivery. ILT takes place in physical classrooms, with learners and instructors present in the same location. In contrast, VILT occurs online, connecting participants from various locations through virtual platforms. VILT eliminates the need for travel, reduces costs associated with logistics, and enables greater accessibility for learners worldwide.

VILT vs. Elearning – What’s the Difference?

While both VILT and eLearning offer remote training options, they have distinct differences. Elearning typically refers to self-paced, asynchronous training delivered through pre-recorded online videos or interactive multimedia. On the other hand, VILT provides synchronous learning experiences with real-time interaction and engagement between instructors and learners. VILT allows for immediate clarification of doubts, personalized attention, and collaborative activities that enhance the learning process.

Learn more about What Is an eCourse and How to Sell Online Courses.

Benefits of Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Virtual instructor-led training provides some key advantages including:

• Flexibility: Instructors can conduct training sessions from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and enabling a better work-life balance.
• Increased Reach: VILT allows instructors to connect with learners across different geographical locations, expanding their audience and impact.
• Real-time Feedback: Instructors can gauge learner understanding and address questions immediately, ensuring that the material is effectively communicated.
• Enhanced Engagement: Through interactive features like polls, chat, and breakout rooms, instructors can foster active participation and create a collaborative learning environment.
• Cost Savings: VILT eliminates expenses related to venue rentals, travel, and accommodation, making training programs more cost-effective.

Examples of Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) has been widely adopted across various industries and disciplines. Here are some examples of how VILT has been successfully implemented:

• Professional Skills Development: Companies use VILT to provide training in areas such as leadership, sales techniques, project management, and customer service.
• Software Training: VILT is widely used for training employees on software applications, allowing for live demonstrations, practice exercises, and instant support.
• Compliance Training: Organizations utilize VILT to deliver mandatory compliance training, ensuring employees stay up-to-date with regulations and guidelines.
• Technical Training: VILT is effective for imparting technical skills like programming languages, database management, cybersecurity, and network administration.

Best Practices for Virtual Instructor-Led Training

When it comes to Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), following best practices can help ensure a successful and engaging learning experience for participants. Here are some key practices to consider:

• Engage learners through interactive activities, such as quizzes, polls, breakout sessions, and group discussions.
• Ensure clear communication by using high-quality audio and video equipment, and encourage participants to use headphones for better audio quality.
• Provide pre-training resources and materials to prepare learners for the session, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the topic beforehand.
• Break longer sessions into shorter modules or sessions to maintain learner focus and prevent information overload.
• Encourage active participation by using chat features, allowing learners to ask questions, provide feedback, and share insights.

Tools Needed to Conduct Virtual Instructor-Led Training

To conduct Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) effectively, you will need a combination of essential tools to facilitate seamless communication, collaboration, and content delivery. Here are some key tools to consider:

• Website builder and LMS platform: Platforms like Payhip provides a centralized hub for managing your training materials, tracking learner progress, facilitating assessments, and so much more! You’ll also be able to create a professional website that comes with powerful tools to sell courses, sell online coaching, and so much more. Best of all, Payhip is a generous forever-free plan that gives you unlimited access to the platform’s features!
• Web Conferencing Platforms: Popular platforms include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and Adobe Connect, which offer features like video conferencing, screen sharing, and chat.
• Hardware: At the very least you’ll want to ensure that you have a reliable computer or laptop, a webcam, a high quality microphone to ensure that your voice comes through clearly without any disturbances, and a stable and high-speed internet connection.
• (Optional) Virtual Whiteboards: Tools like Miro, Microsoft Whiteboard, or Google Jamboard allow instructors to create visual representations, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate with learners.
• (Optional) Interactive Polling and Quiz Tools: Platforms such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, or Poll Everywhere enable instructors to create interactive polls, quizzes, and surveys to engage learners.
• (Optional) Content Sharing Tools: Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive facilitate sharing and collaboration on documents, presentations, and other training materials.

Learn More About Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Whether you’re an experienced instructor or just starting your VILT journey, the right tools and best practices are essential for success. You can offer virtual training services using a free online platform, Payhip, where you’ll enjoy various powerful tools such as a centralized learner management system, a secure logged-in dashboard where you can communicate with your learners, integrations with video conferencing tools such as Zoom, and even build a beautiful and professional website for FREE without having to have any technical knowledge.

If you’re considering becoming an online training provider, we recommend exploring our guide on How to Start an Online Coaching Business for free. With the right knowledge and skills, you can start your own virtual training business and embark on a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey!