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 regular 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).
- Click here for a free online test to see if your device's microphone is working. Wait a few seconds, then click "test my mic" and you should see some coloured bars appear when you speak into your microphone.
- Click here for a free online test to see if your device's camera is working. Wait a few seconds, then click "test my cam" and you should see an image of yourself.
- Click here to connect to YouTube to see if your speakers are working. After a couple of seconds you should start to hear the song "Love Cats" by the Cure.
What about security issues?
We prefer to use a platform called Zoom. The UK Parliament is now using Zoom for Prime Minister's Questions, and Cabinet meetings are also being held over Zoom. If it's secure enough for them, then we think it's probably secure enough for a virtual training session!
Other security concerns might include:
- Uninvited people trying to access a session - this can be prevented by using a password
- "Zoom bombing" - where a participant shares their own screen (accidentally, or maliciously) containing unpleasant material - this can be prevented by setting the controls so that only the host can share their screen
- The meeting being recorded without the permission or knowledge of the participants - we can assure you that we won't be recording anything
- Participants still being unwittingly connected at the end of a session - the host of the session can prevent this simply by ending the session for everyone, rather than relying on each individual to log out
On 3rd April 2020 Zoom announced a raft of new security measures in response to media reports.
If your organisation cannot, or will not, use Zoom for whatever reason then we can use Microsoft Teams as an alternative. It isn't as flexible or interactive as Zoom, but it is perfectly acceptable as a second choice.
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.