SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Brandon Hall Research today announced the availability of a new research publication that provides training professionals with a hands-on guide for designing training for Web conferencing and live online classroom applications. Written by Jennifer Hofmann, the principal e-learning consultant at InSync Training, a consulting firm that specializes in the design and delivery of synchronous e-learning, How to Design for the Live Online Classroom: Creating Great Interactive and Collaborative Training Using Web Conferencing provides training organizations with a guide for best practices, success models, and full knowledge of how to use the technology in the context of good design.

As more and more organizations start to embrace live online learning, it's important for learning professionals to know how to "exploit the advantages of synch technology while minimizing or eliminating the perceived disadvantages of the experience," says Hofmann. The key, she says, is in solid, effective design.

Producing good synchronous training sessions require more than simply transferring a classroom-based course online. Good design and preparation is paramount, and a number of questions come to the fore at the beginning of the process:

• How big should class size be?
• How long should classes be?
• What is the impact of adult learning principles on live online learning?
• Is live online learning the best delivery method based on learning objectives?
• How do you evaluate live online learning?
• How are other companies using live online learning?

To answer these questions, the report includes in-depth design basics on the four different types of synchronous events:

• Online meetings
• Presentations by subject matter experts
• Marketing Webinars
• Learning events

Tools in this 154-page report include sample designs and step-by-step design instructions for delivering training online. Plus, collaboration, interaction, hands-on lab, breakout rooms, chat, whiteboard, surveys, polls, and other tools are explored to determine their best uses.

The report is geared toward helping professionals design and deliver quality online learning events. To find out more, visit www.brandon-hall.com.

The independent analyst firm Brandon Hall Research provides insight and advice through their publications and consulting on best practices and learning technologies for companies both large and small. The company also sponsors the Excellence in Learning Awards, the first recognition program dedicated entirely to the learning industry. For information, please use our contact form. For more information about “Leadership Development: A Brandon Hall Research Study of How Ten Leading Organizations Train Managers and Executives” visit their Web site at www.brandon-hall.com.