ReVOLT during Covid

The world is holding its breath as the Covid pandemic plateau’s in many places around the world. As many of us are confined to home base, our computer screens have become our window to the world. 
I run a training business and as all my face-to-face course were cancelled I have been frantically working at converting them to online. Virtual OnLine Training (VOLT) is the new buzz word. 
Here are some lessons I have learnt. 

1. It is completely different. Originally I thought I could just sit behind my computer and deliver my existing courses online. I found I had to start from scratch. Take eye contact. On the computer, eye contact is established by looking at the camera lens, not looking at the video of the class participants. New delivery methods need to be developed from scratch. We cannot just adapt existing methods to the virtual environment. 
   
2. Content is the subject. In face-to-face training, we try to ensure the class stays focussed on the presenter. The background slides are often just props to enhance the speaker. When the speaker is a thumbnail on the computer the content slides need to be much more engaging and dynamic as they hold the attention more than the speaker. 
   
3. User experience is key.  There is nothing more exciting for me than going to watch live sport.  The atmosphere in the stadium, the sound of the national anthem, the smell of the pitch. The anticipation of what the result could be. Watching the game on replay the next day may be exciting for purists, but it lacks the surprise element of a live performance. VOLT needs to capture the live element of unscripted human to human interactions, otherwise, there is no point in logging on to the live session - just download a video! ​
   

Upcoming training courses include: 

• Microwave Masterclass in August (Australia)
  
• (https://live.comms-connect.com.au/sessions/microwave-radio-virtual-masterclass-august-2020/)
  
• Managing up and across in July/ August (USA)
  
• (https://epd.wisc.edu/courses/leadership-beyond-your-team-managing-up-and-across/
  
• Critical Conversations in September/October (USA)
  
• https://epd.wisc.edu/courses/critical-conversations/
  
• Effectively managing technical teams (new online date not set yet)
  
• https://epd.wisc.edu/courses/effectively-managing-technical-teams/