Next Level Virtual Training: Advance Your Facilitation

At first, “Virtual Training” seemed to me to be a confusing phrase that could apply to a lot of activities. But Diana Howles quickly cleared up my misunderstanding. Her book is all about mastering the design and delivery of online synchronous learning activities with remote learners.Synchronous learning is one half of “hybrid learning”. (The other half of hybrid learning is asynchronous learning: self-paced, independent learning without an instructor or facilitator and without other learners being present.) Synchronous learning is usually delivered by way of modern conferencing software, such as Zoom. The entire book is organized around The Virtual Training Capability Model, which Diana has developed through her experience with this way of teaching online since her first exposure to web conferencing platforms in 2000.The Model enables real-time collaboration and communication to connect facilitators remotely with field staff, to train internal staff, and to educate customers. If this seems a little far-fetched, at the beginning of the book Diana presents a case study that clarifies exactly how the Model works. That helped me a lot.Howles chunks the Model down into eight areas of expertise from beginning to end of the design and delivery process, including presenting the idea to skeptical managers who are sometimes stuck in the lecture model of instruction. Along the way she provides 101 prescriptive professional tips. She is extremely thorough, and always engaging. The result is not a one-time quick read, but I was never bored or overwhelmed.If you professionally facilitate live online learning, Howles wrote this for you, no matter what your level of experience may be (we all have a lot of the same problems adjusting to the virtual environment) or whatever. your job title may be (instructional designer, facilitator, learning experience designer). Developers, evaluators, managers, and producers of virtual training or online adult education will benefit from what Diana Howles provides.

Thank you to Diana Howles for writing the definitive guide for today's virtual facilitators. Next Level Virtual Training is chock full of the strategies and advice required to create a vibrant learning environment and profound learning experiences from a distance. My copy is already heavily dog-eared and highlighted. This is a resource guide that should be on every instructional designer's and trainer's bookshelf.

Diana - Bravo for publishing this book to help everyone in virtual training - university students specializing in adult learning/training specialist roles, anyone transitioning into the role, novice, or experienced.This gives the roadmap for virtual facilitators from designing the virtual learning experience to delivering the virtual training - with details and topics -- that the reader needs to take copious notes to implement themselves.I am especially passionate about virtual competence and presence - and Diana outlines this expertly well for novice and experience virtual trainers alike.

This book is a treasure trove of information and best practices. It's well written, well organized, and covers a very wide range of topics. [Hopefully Amazon will activate their "Look Inside" feature.] What makes it outstanding is that it's also extremely well researched. The author shares her personal experiences and insights which are solidly based on many years of experience, but she also includes tons of insights from other authors and researchers -- all done with generous attributions and citations. This is an extremely valuable resource for anyone doing virtual training, education, meetings, or organizational development.

Diana provides a complete model from learning design through deliver and evaluation for you to advance your virtual training. I have watched her in action as she has provided excellent virtual training. She creates an engaging environment through use of light, sound and screen position. Diana has brought our trainers to the next level in virtual training. I am so glad she is sharing her powerful insight in this subject with others! You will be very happy with your purchase of this book!!

This book is expertly written and very well researched. If you follow Diana’s strategies, you will definitely take your trainings to a new level of excellence. This book is an absolute necessity for any trainer looking to increase their knowledge and enhance their skill set. You will be very glad you purchased this book.

Whether you are new to virtual training, or have been doing this for years -- you need this book. The tips and tricks provided by Diana Howles are practical and relevant. Ultimately, helping you take your training to the next level and having fully engaged participants.

This is a perfect book for the beginners and advanced trainers for the new phase of virtual training. Diana knows what she is talking about and her methods have dramatically helped my virtual trainings.