Virtual training sessions
The Coronavirus outbreak has caused organisations, understandably, to be reluctant to arrange face-to-face training sessions for the time being. As an alternative, therefore, we can offer two different types of training which participants can access remotely.
- Virtual training sessions
- Webinars
Virtual training sessions
Virtual training sessions are the closest thing to real, face-to-face training sessions. Participants access the training “room” via their own device (computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone etc) over the internet.
Typically you might have up to 12 participants on any one session. As long as each participant’s device has a microphone and an internal camera, then everyone can see and hear everyone else. Only the host (ie the trainer from St Thomas Training) needs to have an account. Everyone else just logs in to the unique link that they are given via email.
| "A fantastic communication tool, that brings people together to learn, explore and discuss.....literally face to face!" |
The host (trainer) is live, so he or she can interact in real time with participants. The trainer can share files with participants, and can display various resources such as a PowerPoint presentation, or a video clip, or something else from a different screen altogether (eg from their own tablet or mobile device). Participants can speak and ask questions just as they would in a face-to-face training session, or they can submit written questions or comments via a chat box. The trainer can also split participants into breakout rooms where they can discuss an issue in small groups for a few minutes, before they return to the main training room.
We can issue participants with electronic certificates and feedback forms at the end of a session if you wish.
| " I took part in a virtual training session this morning and I am really pleased how user friendly and human it felt . I am not great with tech but it was easy on either laptop or smart phone." |
Webinars
A webinar is more like a presentation. Again the host (presenter) is live, and again the participants access the “room” by clicking on a link. You can have more attendees for a webinar than for a virtual training session - we suggest up to 30, but we're happy to discuss your exact requirements with you.
Attendees can see and hear the presenter on their screen. They can communicate with the presenter by clicking a button to “raise a hand” and then they can either ask a question via a chat box, or the presenter could switch on that attendee’s microphone temporarily to hear their spoken question.
| "I found it to be a useful resource with lots of scope to provide an interactive session. I like the control that the host has! I particularly liked the fact that you could organise break away groups." |
Prices for virtual training sessions or webinars
Please contact us on 02380 970 914 or hello@stthomastraining.co.uk for an informal discussion. We will be very happy to hear from you.
What topics can be covered?
Pretty much any topic that we usually deliver face-to-face (although some topics which normally have a practical element, like first aid, might be more challenging than others). Click on the "in-house training" link at the top of this page to see a list of our regualar topics. Contact us and we'll see what we can do.
How long does a session last?
We think 2- or 3-hour sessions are probably best, with one short break in a 2-hour session and two short breaks in a 3-hour session. Clearly that means we have to think hard about what to cover, and what to leave out. We cannot simply duplicate exactly what is covered in a "normal" full-day training session.
Will my device work?
You need a computer, or a laptop, or a tablet, or a mobile phone. Your device must be connected to the internet. It must have a microphone (ie you must be able to speak into the device so that someone else can hear you). It must have a camera, so that other people can see you. And it must have speakers, so that you can hear the other people. Our system (Zoom) works with most devices. Some organisations with very high security settings might block Zoom in which case you will have to ask your IT department for help.
If you have any problems, click here for some possible solutions. We recommend you start by watching this short video from YouTube entitled "Join a Meeting" (it's only a minute long).
Joining instructions for participants or attendees
If you are already scheduled to attend a virtual training session or webinar then don't worry, we will email joining instructions to you well in advance of any session. If you haven't received this email 48 hours ahead of the session, then please contact us to find out what's happening.