How ILT and vILT Learning Experiences Help Organizations Meet the Demands of Today’s Learning Landscape

By now, organizations everywhere have learned how to conquer challenges, embrace change, and adapt quickly to today’s rapid transformation of the learning landscape. We recently discussed the top trends in training and development for the “new today,” and one of the biggest shifts for many learning professionals was moving from Instructor-Led Training to virtual instructor-led training, or ILT to vILT. In fact, many experienced a rapid ILT to vILT conversion. So, why are ILT and vILT learning experiences at the core of today’s learning landscape? And, how can organizations optimize them to make the biggest impact for their learners?  

ILT and vILT Learning Experiences are at the Core of Today’s Learning Landscape – What’s the Link?

First, let’s take a quick step back if ILT and vILT learning experiences are new to you.

What is ILT? Definition: ILT (Instructor Led Training) is training facilitated by an instructor, either face-to-face or virtually (vILT). ILT can be facilitated in the classroom or online through platforms such as Zoom. 

The shift from ILT to vILT is significant because ILT / vILT touches a vast majority of organizations today. In fact, in Brandon Hall Group’s recent survey, HR and the Impact of COVID-19, they found that 96% of organizations use ILT / vILT to some degree to deliver learning.

Of course, there are many types of learning experiences being used today: ILT/vILT (classroom/virtual classroom training), eLearning, blended learning, collaborative learning, and so on. But, let’s take a step back to look at why ILT and vILT learning experiences are still at the core of today’s learning landscape, as well as the link that holds all of this change together. Throughout this continued period of change and uncertainty, learning leaders are not only seeking new balances in both their business and personal life, but also new balances for their employees. Although the way we learn may be different now, one thing remains the same: the need for human interaction.

Only through human interaction in such an unprecedented time of transformation can we adequately:

• Address any resistance 
• Answer questions and maintain clear communication
• Create a sense of community and connection

So, with learning leaders looking for ways to accelerate their training transformation, we must understand that human interaction is the link.

ILT and vILT are at the core of the transformation, meeting the demands of the “new today.”  There is no “recipe” for transformation. But, ultimately, it is life-changing for learning leaders, employees, and the organization as a whole. The enormity of it can’t be adequately addressed without the human interaction that comes from ILT and vILT learning experiences.  

ILT and vILT Help Organizations Meet Today’s Demands 

Even amidst the recent learning changes, ILT / vILT encompasses 63% of learning delivery. However, the biggest change is the greater shift in the corporate classroom from ILT to vILT. So, not only has there been a boom in ILT, but it has also become more complex. There’s been a surge in the need for faster delivery, increased productivity, and better operational efficiency.

• Boom in ILT and vILT learning experiences

ILT and vILT are growing. In fact, 90% of organizations are either increasing or maintaining the use of ILT in the next 2-5 years. Though face-to-face instruction is down, virtual instructor-led training is booming. Why? The scope of today’s transformation demands it. ILT and vILT shine due to the need for human interaction and its ability to help maintain clear communications, address the resistance, and maintain a sense of community and connection. ILT/vILT allows the best instructors and SMEs to lead, train, and reskill employees more effectively in a time like this.

• How ILT has become more complex

ILT has become more complex as it moves virtual. Organizations are managing more resources than ever before, such as new tools, roles (producers, technology assistants), and technologies (virtual labs, platforms, and simulators). There’s been a need to redesign courses, ensure better remote collaboration, and schedule more, shorter sessions that are easily digestible in a remote environment. Plus, that need for human interaction during this shift is still just as important.

A big reason for this boom and complexification of ILT and vILT learning experiences is because ILT/vILT is more effective. 64% of organizations use ILT because it’s more effective than other modalities in improving learners’ understanding of the material. It may seem obvious, but with human interaction playing such a big role in this transformation, companies need to transform in order to meet the demands of today.

>> Learn more about the Present State of ILT and vILT in this video from
David Wilson of Fosway Group, Europe’s leading HR industry analyst <<

How Can Organizations Address These Changes and Get the Most Impact from ILT and vILT Learning Experiences?  

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to take advantage of the rapid ILT to vILT conversion and other changes that have consumed our “new today” and make the most of learning technology that can support ILT/vILT transformation. However, by learning technology, we’re not just talking about Zoom. In fact, it goes way beyond that. Learning technologies and vILT platforms in the new today that can complement each other and support this transformation include:

• vILT Platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, Webex, Microsoft Teams, etc. that can help you deliver your vILT.
• Learning Platforms such as the LMS and LXP that can help you deliver your eLearning and give your learners a beautiful, intuitive, and learner-centric front end to interact with.
• A Training Management System (TMS) to help you simplify, automate and optimize your virtual training operations and logistics: session scheduling, resource management, instructor calendars, vILT, cost tracking and reporting. 

>> What’s the difference between a Training Management System (TMS) and 
a Learning Management System (LMS)? Find out! <<

In the new today, there’s a greater need for vILT and eLearning to be used simultaneously with the support of many different types of learning technology. And, now more than ever, it’s critical to make the most of your time, resources, data, and budget. 

What’s Next?

For over 18 years, Training Orchestra has been helping 600+ organizations worldwide address the complexities to automate and optimize their ILT and vILT training operations: session scheduling, resource management, instructor calendars, cost tracking and reporting. As a complement to your existing learning technologies, Training Orchestra’s Training Resource Management System can replace all XLS spreadsheets and manual tasks, so you can better manage training as a business.

Interested in how you can improve ILT / vILT efficiency and do more with less? Contact us to learn more!