www.tmgov.org/tmgovuallansschweyer@tmgov.org

THE ONLINE ON-DEMAND UNIVERSITY for government

Virtual Learning Events

with Stephen Martin

November 21, 2013

A TMLU Credit Course

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With: Stephen Martin

Stephen Martin is a Program Manager in DAI’s Learning Solution practice where he directs DAI’s learning and development  efforts for government and commercial clients. Stephen has over 20 years of experience in the training, learning, and technology field.  He has led in-person and online workshops and published articles on training innovation and technology integration. 

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“Most government travel budgets have been reduced by 30% this year, forcing managers to decide who can and cannot attend conferences and other important events.” Allgov, Aug, 2013

Stephen MartinLearning Solutions Program ManagerDAI SolutionsAlexandria, VA703.838.0093http://www.dai-solutions.com

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This program has been approved for 2 credit hours toward the 12 credits needed to

complete the certificate program in Innovative Learning in Government.

This course forms part of a certificate program (one of six) that will be submitted for review for recertification credit hours

toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.

Those that complete the six part series and pass the associated online exam will qualify

for the CEUs.

Credits Continuing Education Units

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This course outlines the process and issues related to moving from traditional in-person events (including training) to virtual events.

What Should You Learn:1. How to successfully transition to virtual events.2. How to assess and choose among platforms.3. How to measure and evaluate virtual events.

Overview & Learning Objectives

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Have you ever participated in a virtual conference?- Yes- No

Poll

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Agenda

• Importance of events• Current climate• Virtual advantage• Planning the transition to virtual• Selecting a platform• Event preparation• Event and post-event considerations• Future of virtual solutions

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• Traditional in-person events:– Build career and technical expertise– Enhance professional development– Form connections and relationships– Foster knowledge sharing

Why Events?

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• Shrinking budgets • Limited travel• Scheduling difficulties• Increased scrutiny• Focus toward return on

investment (ROI)

The Current Climate

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• Eliminates travel and facility costs• Accessible through desktop, laptop or

mobile device• Integrated multimedia and

interactive formats• Online archives and on-demand

libraries for expanded access• Up-to-the-minute metrics

The Virtual Advantage

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What Does A Virtual Event Look Like (Basic)?

Streaming Live Video

Live Twitter Feed

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What Does A Virtual Event Look Like (Advanced)?

Avatars and 3D environments

Streaming audio and video

Chat pods and interactive polling

Branded virtual spaces

Meeting and breakout rooms Desktop sharing and

collaboration

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Has your travel and conference budget been reduced in the past few years?- Yes, drastically- Yes, somewhat- No- No, it has increased

Poll

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• Transition to virtual requires:

Getting Started: Build Business Case

Buy-in from leadership

Stakeholder and target audience acceptance

Tech evaluation and upgrades

Platform selection and training

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• Examine current practices:– Has the organization ever sponsored a live

event? – Where was it held? – How was it structured? – Who attended? – What kind of feedback did participants

provide?

Capture and incorporate the aspects that participants most valued.

Developing the Business Plan

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• Largest upfront investment• No “one-size-fits-all” solution

exists• Generalist platforms vs. best in

class• Scalability for future growth

Selecting a Platform: Considerations

Third party partners can helpnarrow the options.

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• How will the platform be used?• What features are essential?• Are there technical requirements?• How savvy is the audience?• What type of reporting data does the

platform provide?• What types of events will be virtual? – Training? Internal meetings? Large-scale

conferences?

Key Requirements

Choose the simplest solution that meets key requirements.

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• Configure and customize the event space

• Integrate with learning management system

• Plan for specific hardware, software and bandwidth upgrades

• Train presenters in virtual delivery

Event Preparation: Technology

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• Marketing and publicity

• Technology requirements and instructions

• Phone or online chat functions

Event Preparation: Communication

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• Focus on keeping audience’s attention

• Optimize video and audio elements

• Produce content for full accessibility for people with disabilities

Event Preparation: Content

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• Live real-time assistance to troubleshoot issues– Help desk and online chat for participants– Technical producers to assist presenters

• Access up-to-the minute metrics– Standard data (e.g. number of

participants, time at event)–More refined data (e.g. most popular

features, engagement)– Post-event evaluations and feedback– On-demand playback

During and After the Event

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• More virtual, fewer in-person events

• Widespread mobile connectivity and access

• Improvements in streaming media

Looking Ahead

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What You Should Have Learned:

1. How to successfully transition to virtual events.2. How to assess and choose among platforms.3. How to measure and evaluate virtual events.

Learning Objectives

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Learn More

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Next TMGovU Live Course

Wednesday December 4, 2013

Human Capital Analytics Case Studies

Register at www.tmgovu.org

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