Virtual training sessions
The COVID-19 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 three different types of training which participants can access remotely.
- Virtual training sessions
- Webinars
- Video presentations
1. 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!" |
Virtual training is very different to e-learning. With e-learning, the learner is only interacting with the computer.
A virtual training session is the closest thing to a real, face-to-face training session. Participants access the training “room” via their own device (computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone etc) over the internet. We recommend a maximum of 12 participants on any one session. As long as each participant’s device has a microphone, an internal camera and speakers 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.
The host (trainer) is live, which means that he or she can interact in real time with participants. There is no time lag when people speak. The trainer can display various resources such as a PowerPoint presentation, or a video clip, or something else from a different screen altogether (eg a case study or website from their own tablet or mobile device). Interactive quizzes can be used to engage participants and stimulate debate. 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. Participants can see, hear and interact with each other as well as with the trainer. The trainer can jot ideas down on a virtual whiteboard as the participants raise them. 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 feel the Zoom features were effectively used and a lot of preparation went into creating this online training." |
2. Webinars
A webinar is a straightforward presentation, rather than a training session. The attendees can see and hear the presenter and can type questions to him/her using the chat function. But the attendees cannot see, hear or interact with anyone else.
3. Video presentations
A virtual training session, or a webinar, needs a group of people all to be able to attend simultaneously. If this is not possible (eg due to shift patterns, or a need to have staff to cover the project) then you may like to get them to watch a video presentation instead. We can produce this according to your requirements on any health & social care topic, and for any length. It can cover generic information, and also specific issues relevant to your organization (eg your own policies and procedures). The presentation is then uploaded to a secure location and can be viewed by whoever has permission to do so, whenever they wish, however many times they wish. Please click here to watch a 2-minute demonstration of a video presentation.
Prices for virtual training sessions or webinars or video presentations
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.
| "Really interesting session. I learnt some new information about LPA’s and claiming expenses. Really good way of training and engaging." |
How long does a session last?
We think 2- or 3-hour sessions are about right, with one short break in a 2-hour session and two short breaks in a 3-hour session. We don't it's reasonable to expect participants to attend a virtual training session for the whole day. Clearly that means we have to think hard about what to cover, and what to leave out. So if the face-to-face training would normally be one full day we can either split it over 2 sessions on different days, or we can reduce the content to fit into a single half-day.
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 accessing Zoom, 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). If you are trying to access Microsoft Teams, then here are some instructions.
- 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.
| "Considering the restraints that have been placed on us since the Covid-19 pandemic, I am really pleased that I have been able to attend training during my induction and this training has been very useful in detailing how the mental capacity act impacts my work as an AP. The Zoom session worked really well and meant that we could be interactive and get other view points as well as ask direct questions to the trainer during the session as opposed to elearning sessions." |
What about security issues?
We prefer to use a platform called Zoom. The UK Parliament has been using Zoom during the lockdown of 2020. 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 and a virtual waiting room
- "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
During Summer 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.
| "It was realistic and felt like we were in the same room. Very informative and a well constructed session." |