The Successful Virtual Classroom: How to Design and Facilitate Interactive and Engaging Live Online Learning

I was recently tasked to investigate the possibility of rolling out a key leadership training program using a virtual approach for our multi-million dollar organization. Learning and development efforts have previously been accomplished using a traditional classroom approach combined with critical on-the-job training with experienced personnel. I was thrilled to learn of Ms. Christopher's book from a trusted colleague and immediately ordered a copy. Once receiving the book, I dove right in and found it to be filled with critical information relative to this topic. Darlene writes with a straightforward style that helps the reader to increase their confidence with the medium by empowering them to begin to transform their existing instructional design and facilitation skills into the virtual world. I've used the book every step of the way starting with course development and culminating with delivery. We recently conducted a proof of concept session using a virtual platform that was met with very positive reviews. Our organization is now looking to increase our use of the Virtual Learning approach for the remainder of 2014 through 2015 and beyond. I particularly liked Darlene's PREP Model, Sample Rehearsal Evaluation Form, Course Conversion Comparison, and key skill sets needed for the facilitation team. Her insights helped our organization to realize the value of setting up contingencies in the case of technical problems during a session and adding a host to our facilitation team. The book was filled with practical examples of how other large successful organization quickly found value in implementing a Virtual Learning approach. This will remain a key resource for me as we move to the next phase of our implementation. I would highly recommend it to instructional designers, project managers, learning and development professionals, and any entity who wishes to quickly come up to speed on the Virtual Learning Approach. Thanks Darlene for such a valued resource!-Claudine Baker, Learning and Development Professional with more than 13 years of experience in the Training Industry.

I'm designing my first virtual course, so doing a lot of research. This book gave me to some good ideas to get started. Good purchase.

Great tips and tricks for successful virtual event facilitation. I got a lot of good ideas from this book that have made my online classes better.

As someone who has spent the greater part of the last 25 years in the learning industry--but very little of it in the virtual classroom space--I recently found myself needing a bit of help in figuring out how to design and facilitate an online learning event. Luckily, this guide was available to me, and it walked me through the entire process. The content here is really solid, makes sense, AND is presented in a way that lets you get to what you need....quickly. You can quickly identify the information that's best for you based upon your experience, whether you need the whole PREP model or just parts of it. Great guidance that's hard to find anywhere else. Highly recommended.

Darlene has done us a great service by creating this book! It is full of practical advice, drawing from her extensive experience in designing and facilitating engaging online learning. Her PREP model is particularly useful, and offers a practical guide through the steps required to conduct successful online learning. An additional bonus is the large number of tips scattered throughout the book, helping provide easy-to-implement actions that will be helpful to both novice and seasoned learning professionals. Also valued are the insights for working with global audiences, taking account of both time zone challenges and different cultural approaches. I recommend this book to everyone interested in online learning!

I have been in the virtual meeting space for 9 years and am responsible for nearly 10,000 events annually. I read just about everything on this topic and I cannot recommend this text enough.It is complete from good common sense reminders, checklists and best practice recommendations to program length and covers the wide variety or audio solutions available, all the way through the live event coaching on concise communication and in-event dynamics.Great read, well thought out and informative.

Good reference

Wonderfully written; very informative; useful template to help anyone figure out how to produce a "successful virtual classroom" for an organization. This book is a great resource for learning professionals who are new to the virtual classroom or who want to expand skills in this area. The section on working with global participants offers practical ideas and resources.

Very useful

Great examples from this book