In case you are unfamiliar with the term Virtual Instructor-Led Training or are unsure as to what distinguishes VILT within the broad category of online learning, let’s start with a simple definition.
According to TrainingIndustry.com, “Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) refers to training that is delivered in a virtual or simulated environment, or when instructor and learner are in separate locations. Virtual instruction environments are designed to simulate the traditional classroom or learning experience.”
This is a great starting point, but at RED BEAR Negotiation, we are anything but traditional. Let’s unpack this a bit more. RED BEAR’s VILT is real-time remote instruction between an instructor and students, combined with our hallmark discovery-based learning approach that focuses on learning by doing, through a mixture of group discussion and 1:1 negotiation simulation.
NO. In fact, they are very different.
When most people think about online learning or online training, they typically think of a self-guided experience featuring pre-recorded video or a slideshow, perhaps reading materials, as well as an online quiz to measure comprehension. Many times, instructors are nothing more than support personalities there to answer any questions via email, chat, or discussion board.
In essence, online learners are simply paying for access to materials, similar to buying a book or watching a video. It’s a one-way street. The absence of any live interaction between student and instructor or student to student stands in stark contrast to the group interaction which is a hallmark of RED BEAR’s virtual instructor-led training.
Online learning is often isolating, self-paced, and easy to abandon due to low levels of engagement. While some of the better platforms have introduced gamification, by awarding badges for successfully progressing through different topics or levels of learning, this is manufactured engagement designed to substitute for human-to-human interaction. This method tends to equate task completion with learning and diminishes the impact experience plays in the learning journey.
First, our virtual instructor-led training sessions emphasize direct interaction with the instructor and other participants. This ensures the delivery is highly interactive and engagement oriented. Participants are actively participating in discussions or exercises more than 90% of the time.
Second, we deliver custom-tailored exercises specific to each client. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach where each student attempts to relate materials to their specific circumstances, our sessions draw on our Blueprinting process to work with leaders and managers to shape discussion and exercises into real-world scenarios.
Third, our workshops feature 1:1 negotiation simulation and group discussion to unpack the key concepts and behaviors involved in learning new negotiation skills. Participants apply what they know in exercises and are then introduced to new concepts and skills to apply in further exercises to achieve better results. The result is a deeper understanding through hands-on, interactive engagement. This approach delivers results, whether in-person or online.
When developing our VILT programming, our online delivery needed to maintain all of the trademarks of our in-person discovery-based learning experience. Regardless of the training program, we offer, we seamlessly deliver the same experience as our in-person sessions. We also offer flexible scheduling to best accommodate each client’s needs and desires, with either single full-day or multiple half-day sessions.
When considering training opportunities, focus on outcomes and measure your return on investment. You want to know your investment will deliver results. At RED BEAR if at the end of ANY session, regardless of when and where delivered, you have an individual(s) that doesn’t believe they will drive 10x returns on the investment you made to have them attend (participant fee + T&E), you will not be invoiced for that individual(s). No questions asked. It’s that simple.
Of course, we stand by our workshops; but, take a look at what our clients have to say. And, read our client success stories to learn how we have helped some of the biggest companies in the world transform their teams into world-class negotiators. If you’d like to explore how we can help, contact us to schedule a conversation.