Why a Virtual Classroom is Better…For Now

by | May 14, 2020 | Training Solutions

Interested in taking a Crisis Support Solutions (CSS) class but not a fan of online training? I get it. I’ve attended plenty of pre-recorded, “death-by-PowerPoint ” online classes that lacked imagination and engagement.

That’s not what you will find in a CSS virtual classroom. Because we use Zoom, every training is live and interactive. With Zoom, we can recreate the same dynamic learning experience, while prioritizing the health and safety of students and instructors.

Here is why training on Zoom is better than training in a traditional classroom…for now.

 

  1. No need for social distancing. Can you imagine being in a training room while maintaining social distancing? Since our average class size is 18 students, how big of a classroom would we need to space participants 6-feet apart? With Zoom, participants are “face-to-face”. Sure, we’re all in our “boxes” (like the opening credits of the Brady Bunch), but we’re able to see and hear each other clearly in a way that would be impossible in an actual classroom.

2. No need for masks. Recognizing non-verbal cues is a crucial component of active communication. Yet, health guidelines encourage wearing a mask when near others. Imagine being in a traditional classroom and participating in a role-play lab with half of the face covered while sitting 6-feet apart?

 Invariable, students would miss micro-expressions and cues, making it difficult to communicate effectively. Given that students participate from home or a private space at work, masks are not needed during training.

3. Zoom breakout rooms. CSS courses are filled with labs and small group exercises to engage students and amplify learning. Similar to challenges in the main classroom, imagine wearing a mask while sitting 6-feet apart in a smaller breakout room?

By using Zoom “breakout rooms”, we’re able to divide the class into smaller groups and move into private rooms to complete the exercise. Once completed, students then return to the “main classroom” to review and continue instruction. As “host”, the instructor can joinany group in their breakout room to answer questions, check-on-learning or offer personalized feedback.

4. Reduced training cost. During “normal” times, CSS instructors travel from their home-base (Texas and Georgia) to the training location. As you know, travel costs can quickly add-up and add-on to course cost. Since travel is not required when using Zoom, we’re able to offer quality training at a significantly reduced price.

Here’s the best part, we’re already running classes on Zoom and the course evaluations have been phenomenal. Here are some comments shared (with permission) by our students:

 

  • The online training was convenient and you still were present in class and participated with all areas of training. Highly recommend any training you have the opportunity to attend.

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  • The Trainers were engaging and knowledgeable. I look forward to future courses with them. Dorie and Joey are easily the best trainers I’ve had.

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  • Wonderful class with so much insight! I highly recommend this class for First Responders or anyone is hurting, in crisis or just dealing with the challenges of everyday life!

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  • Dorie and Joey’s teaching style is one of a kind. They get it. They make learning easy, memorable, and retainable.

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  • I learned so much in this class, skills that I can apply to both professional and personal life. Dorie kept me engaged and she is very knowledgeable about the topic.

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  • Dorie & Joey deliver every time! They provide simple yet powerful tools anyone can use in any of their relationships, business or otherwise, and they do so with energy, humor and compassion. They make the complex seem possible. It’s a privilege to learn from them!

Online courses currently available:

Top 5 Back Pocket Skills Every Helper Needs to be Helpful https://crisissupportsolutions.com/back-pocket-skills/

Basic Peer Support Training Program https://crisissupportsolutions.com/peer-training/

Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Support for Survivors https://crisissupportsolutions.com/syllabus-suicide-prevention-intervention/

Delivering a Death Notification and Crisis Support that Follows https://crisissupportsolutions.com/syllabus-death-notification/

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