At Lexis Education, we’ve delivered our Tutor training programs remotely for over a year now, and we’ve learned a lot. This month, we’d like to share with you our learnings, with 6 tips for delivering a remote training that is engaging, effective and enjoyable for everyone.
- Keep it simple
There is no need to be using a lot of fancy tools. A computer equipped with a secure, reliable video platform is all you need to create an effective learning experience. At Lexis Education, we only use the following when delivering our remote tutor training programs:
- PowerPoint
- Zoom
- Our manuals, which we send to each participant by mail.
- Be engaging and encourage collaboration
Interactivity and organic learning are essential during a remote training. There are a few different ways to make a training more interactive (most of them are built in platforms such as Zoom): screen sharing, poll questions, contributions through the chat, using emojis and the hand raising option, using an online whiteboard. You might also want to adapt your content to fit a remote environment, for example by avoiding slides that are bogged down with text, increasing the use of graphics and charts, using videos and providing plenty of opportunities for feedback and discussion.
- Use small-group dynamics
Our tutors usually deliver the Teacher Course to up to 15 teachers in a face-to-face setting. When you’re training that many people online, it is important to maintain a small group feel. During our remote tutor training sessions, we’ve used breakout rooms very successfully to enable participants to discuss topics without having people talk over one another. Breakout rooms are also a great way for participants to get to know one another’s teaching experience and career paths.
- Take frequent breaks
Being on a computer all day can be draining. Breaks help us synthesise and retain information. During our tutor training, we aim to have at least a break of 10 minutes every hour. But these breaks don’t have to be that long – any type of pause will help, whether it is about checking in with participants or have a quick discussion on a certain point.
- Set the pace
In an online environment, trainers need to be particularly mindful of the level of engagement to ensure adoption of new skills or behaviours. As such, it might be useful to review your content to identify areas where you should speed up, slow down or involve participants. If you are a confident deliverer, don’t hesitate to adapt your delivery as you go.
- Use technical support if needed
Technical issues are bound to happen in a synchronous online learning environment. The key is not letting them derail your training, which is where a technical support person might come in useful. It’s worth making sure someone who knows the platform and training environment can be available during the training or on standby. They can step in and solve technical issues as they arise so that you can keep your focus on the participants.
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