7 Best Practices for Creating Enriched Virtual Learning

Starting with the end in mind follows the Backward Design framework. Backward Design creates a learner-centered approach, aligning the desired learning outcome(s) with all components of the training (Wiggins & McTighe, 1998). Ask yourself, what is the goal of this training? What skills will my learners be able to perform after taking this training? How will I assess if this training has been successful? These questions provide pioneering guidance in establishing the foundation for EVL environments.

Determine which activities are best suited for online and in-person. Placing any knowledge transfer activities derived from lectures or reading materials online allows you to use in-person sessions for hands-on, deep learning experiences. According to a 2024 study on blended learning with medical students, it was noted that online learning is best suited for knowledge acquisition, while in-person learning helps solidify that knowledge through application (Khong & Tanner, 2024).

When organizing and connecting your components, consider creating engaging online content that incorporates short videos and interactive elements, such as flip cards or tabs, and includes brief exercises like mix-and-match activities or reflective discussions. Then build off the online content to create deep learning experiences for in-person sessions. Deep learning in-person activities can include Q&As, group practice exercises, and peer-to-peer collaboration.

Every learner entering the learning environment you create is unique. More than social justice, incorporating DEI practices in the learning environment cultivates higher learning outcomes and fosters a sense of belonging. According to LinkedIn (2022), “L&D shares 43% of the responsibility for DEI strategy” (p. 20). Examples of DEI practices within an EVL environment include ensuring all online learning components and software comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring diverse representation in learning materials, and utilizing multiple assessment types to accommodate different learning styles.

Sparking learner engagement in an EVL environment requires you to truly understand your audience. Taking steps to personalize their learning helps make it authentic to them and encourages them to take ownership as active participants in the learning process. Incorporating personalization into employee development has a positive impact on learner engagement and supports the achievement of learning outcomes (HR.com, 2018).

Personalization can be integrated through technology and interactions from the subject matter expert (SME) within a training program. Learning management systems (LMS) that use artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced algorithms can offer adaptive learning paths and personalized content recommendations tailored to learners’ professional interests. SMEs can coach and mentor learners as they practice hands-on exercises. This not only strengthens personalization but also fosters a robust support system.

A strong support system helps learners persevere through challenges, setting them up for success (Gao et al., 2024). With the use of technology, support can be seamlessly provided to learners. First, to make sure learners can navigate their online learning effectively, create a short tutorial video on how to use the LMS and navigate their training. Next, set up accessible channels that provide a fast response time for their questions, such as online group chats with SMEs and peers, private messaging to SMEs, and open office hours for additional mentoring and coaching. The SME should also provide a safe learning environment where they are just as excited for a learner’s success as they are. With these support systems in place, learners have opportunities to experience meaningful interactions with their SME and peers (Stap et al., 2024).

EVL environments present new challenges in communication and what’s expected for both SMEs and learners, so it is essential to be clear and transparent throughout the training process.

Here are a few tips on how to keep everyone aligned:

Assessing the quality of your EVL environment is crucial to increasing training effectiveness. Assessment scores and participation levels are two key measures. Conducting an anonymous survey post-training will provide you with unforeseen insights to improve training quality. The survey can include a Likert scale to measure learners’ satisfaction levels with the technology used, the SME’s expertise, and their in-person experience (Panigrahi et al., 2024). Learners should also be given an opportunity to answer two open-ended questions on what worked well and what could be better with the training program.