Next Level Virtual Training
By Diana Howles
In the world today, virtual training is now a core professional skill set. Written by master facilitator Diana L. Howles, this book surpasses the basics of online synchronous instruction, by providing in-depth insights into modern, higher-level challenges. Readers are introduced to the Virtual Trainer Capability Model, which identifies eight areas of expertise for the top virtual professional. A train-the-virtual-trainer resource, this book develops your knowledge and skills to facilitate interactivity, leverage your voice, engage virtual learners, and so much more! You’ll also find groundbreaking chapters on developing on-camera competence, applying learning experience design to virtual training, and delivering hybrid training with both on-site and online learners in a post-pandemic hybrid work environment. Whether you’re a live online facilitator, virtual designer, developer, evaluator, or producer, this book is for you. And as a bonus, don’t miss out on the book’s 101 actionable tips you can apply right away!
What Do Readers Say?
Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D., Chairman ROI Institute
“A timely book that tackles all the current challenges to designing and delivering successful virtual learning. Diana’s Virtual Trainer Capability Model is a must, and the 101 Pro Tips are what you would expect from this virtual learning pro. This is a required reference for all talent development professionals.”
Darlene Christopher, Senior Knowledge & Learning Officer, World Bank
“Now that virtual training has become mainstream, learners’ expectations of trainers are higher than ever. Diana Howles has created a masterful step-by-step guide to develop and deliver dynamic training through a comprehensive capability model. This extraordinarily useful book is a must-read for virtual trainers and educators who want to grow their skills to the next level.”
Elaine Biech, 2022 ISA Thought Leader; Editor, ATD’s Handbook for Training and Talent Development, 3rd Edition; Principle Author, TDBoK™
“Need to take your virtual training skills up a notch? Look no further. Diana Howles provides you with the map to climb to the next level. Her expertise, advice, and inspiration will motivate you to go for it and reach your highest professional level of excellence.”
Dr. Britt Andreatta, Author of Wired to Grow: Harness the Power of Brain Science to Learn and Master Any Skill
“While the world has seen an explosion of virtual training, the reality is that it takes special skills to design and deliver a truly excellent learning experience. Diana has written a comprehensive guide that will help you up level and polish your virtual training skills. This guide is filled with tips and strategies to increase your mastery and confidence.”
Designing the Online Learning Experience
By Simone C. W. Conceição and Les L. Howles
Designing the Online Learning Experience provides a holistic approach for thinking about learners, online learning, and design so that the experience is more personalized, engaging, and meaningful. The authors refer to learning design instead of the traditional instructional design which places the instructor at the center. Instead, the focus is shifted to the learner’s online course experience as a journey. Creating online courses in today’s age requires new ways of thinking with new design ideas and approaches. It also requires a new set of learning design skills for those facilitating the learning. This book not only provides an innovative framework, but also strategies for how to approach the learning experience for both experienced and new instructors alike. The strategies identified in the book are evidence-based learning principles and encourage the reader to adopt an empathic mindset focused on the learner’s experience.
What Do Readers Say?
Clark Quinn, Quinnovation
“Designing effective instruction is hard. So, too, is designing engaging experiences. Doing both together is even harder! Fortunately, Conceição and Howles have written a principled, yet practical guide to systematically creating engaging and effective online courses.”
Michelle Glowacki-Dudka, Professor of Adult, Higher, and Community Education Educational Studies - Ball State University
“Conceição and Howles draw on their experiences as both scholars and practitioners to create a holistic way to think about learning. Both newcomers and experienced online instructors and designers will find creative solutions and strategies to make online teaching more engaging, personalized, and meaningful. The authors share a map to the future of online teaching and learning.”
MidWest Book Review
“Exceptionally informative, impressively organized and presented, Designing the Online Learning Experience is especially timely.”
Penny Ralston-Berg, Senior Instructional Designer - Penn State World Campus
“Conceição and Howles’ book digs deep and explains what it truly means to be learner-centered. Their integrated framework brings a fresh approach to online instruction. The text delivers the right mix of research and practical strategies to empower both new and experienced instructors and course designers to craft the best possible online learning experiences.”
Online Learning Articles and Blogs
Howles Associates Videos
TLDCHAT with Diana Howles
3 Tips in 3 Minutes: What to Wear on Video
3 Tips in 3 Minutes: Be Conversational On Camera
“We asked Howles Associates to create some multimedia learning that mimicked a popular game show, and all of us were truly impressed with the results! Howles Associates listened carefully to our needs and got it right the first time.”