Video: Designing Training That Works for Hybrid Participant Groups

With more than 25 years experience in designing and implementing learning for global audiences, we’ve configured learning to address distributed workforces, including working with groups of participants who aren’t all learning in the same virtual or in-person location.

Here’s a couple of practical ideas for designing training programs that work for hybrid groups of participants:

1. Design to engage both audiences. For example, use highly visual, ever-changing graphics. MORE diagrams, FEWER words, MORE slides so nothing ‘sits’ on screen too long. This helps both those in person and in the virtual room feel more engaged.
2. Design activities with parallel paths for live and virtual participants. Without parallel paths, one group is watching instead of interacting and engagement drops. To support complex activities and avoid confusion, provide tools such as a pre-session playbook with numbered activities—easier to refer to the activity number so each audience has the instructions tailored to them.
3. Consider designing so that you have both a virtual AND an in-person producer to support the facilitator. This requires a more detailed agenda with specific instructions for each Producer, but it ensures the facilitator can stay focused on managing the group’s learning.

We have experience in designing training for hybrid participant groups, as well as facilitating learning for these audiences. If you need help, we'd love to share our expertise.

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