Online training delivered professionally 

Online training is not just about participants using Zoom or another video chat or conferencing system and doing the same thing they do in on-site training. 

Remote training requires more engagement and extra effort to build and develop a group dynamic, get to know each other, interact with each other, monitor attention, avoid fatigue, avoid an uninvolved observer role, and other challenges. 

So it takes some effort, thought, and adapted, different training and exercise design to achieve the same results online as in on-site training.

On the other hand, modern online training can be much more than what is possible in on-site training. One can add multimedia components, teamwork, information creation, processing and presentation, interaction within the group without disturbing others, group work, voting, games, gaming that can improve the depth and speed of learning and understanding. The younger generation is used to working with computers, tablets and smartphones and using them daily for learning. Sitting in a classroom and talking to only one person, as is common in traditional classes, lectures and seminars, is outdated and has not changed much since the Middle Ages. 

I think we can do better with what is technologically available, what learning styles, learning theory, action learning, flipped learning, team learning, self-organized learning, asynchronous and synchronous methods, gamification, notching, and other recent learning research have taught us, and adapt to a more modern and engaging environment that is valued by the younger generation and leaves behind the centuries-old frontal teaching style.

If training is conducted partially or entirely online, the following points must be met:

• The training hours must be synchronous
• A video conferencing system must be chosen that allows small group work and promotes interaction.
• All participants must always be able to see and hear all other participants and the trainer.
• The trainer must always be able to see and hear all participants.
• An exchange of communication between all participants must be possible at all times.
• The group and exercise portions must be as large (at least 60%) as in face-to-face training.
• The specifics of the effect of online training on group dynamics, engagement, interactivity, attention, and verbal and non-verbal communication have been addressed and adapted to provide equivalent results to face-to-face training.
• The admission of online trainings has to be applied for separately and a training in designing and conducting online / eLearning workshops or trainings is necessary and has to be proven (in total at least 25 hours). Extensive own experience and acquired expertise and development of adaptations for online trainings can be credited.